Print Shortlink

Byrd, Robert James (1st July 1930-27th July 1990)

Rhythm-and-blues singer-songwriter born in Fort Worth, Texas, who maybe known better as Bobby Day.  That’s the stage name he chose, at the tender age of 13, when he began performing at Johnny Otis’s Barrelhouse Club in L.A.

He is perhaps best known for writing “Little Bitty Pretty One”, which he recorded with his group The Satellites in 1957, and for being the first artist to record Jimmy Thomas’s “Rockin’ Robin”, in 1958.  During that time he also joined forces with Earl Nelson to form the economically titled duo of Bob and Earl.

He also penned what was to become the only #1 hit for the Dave Clark Five in the U.S., “Over and Over”, which topped the Billboard charts in December 1965.

Byrd passed away from cancer on 27th July 1990, survived by four children and wife Jackie.  He left behind a musical legacy that includes the songwriting concerns Byrdland Attractions and Quiline Publishing.

Hargus “Pig” Robbins recordings
Little Bitty Pretty One (Robert Byrd)

Here he is singing his “Little Bitty Pretty One”…

Sources:

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Day
  2. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bobby-day-mn0000074452/biography
  3. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/BB/fbywe.html
  4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dave_Clark_Five
  5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_and_Over_%28The_Dave_Clark_Five_song%29
  6. https://www.discogs.com/artist/330672-Bobby-Day?filter_anv=0&type=Appearances