b. 25th April, 1950, Marlin, Texas, U.S.A.
Bobbi Humphrey is a jazz flautist whose musical tastes leaned toward fusion and smooth jazz-pop.
Bobbi was born in Marlin, Texas, however, she was raised in Dallas.
From the outset of her career, Humphrey was quite popular, winning a large crossover audience with her pop-oriented jazz-fusion.
Throughout her career, her popularity exceeded her critical acclaim, although several critics did praise her technique and showmanship.
She began playing flute in high school and continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University.
Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist, and impressed with what he had heard, he urged her to pursue a musical career in New York City.
She followed through on his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theatre on Amateur Night.
Shortly afterward, she began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.
Bobbi signed with Blue Note in 1971.
Her blend of jazz, funk, pop and R & B fit in well with the new sound of Blue Note, and her six albums for the label ('Flute In', 'Dig This', 'Blacks and Blues', 'Satin Doll', 'Live at Montreux', and 'Fancy Dancer') were all successes.
In particular, 1973's 'Blacks and Blues' earned her a crossover pop and R & B audience.
That same year, she played the Montreux Festival in Switzerland.
In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard.
The following year, she switched record labels, signing with Epic and releasing 'Tailor Made' (containing the popular 'Lover To Lover') that same year.
She also played on Stevie Wonder's platinum album 'Songs in the Key of Life' in 1977.
'Tailor Made' was the first of three albums on Epic Records, 'Freestyle' followed in 1978, and 'The Good Life' appeared about a year afterward.
During the '80's, Bobbi continued to perform regularly, even if she didn't record often.
She returned to recording in 1989, releasing 'City Beat' on Malaco Records.
Five years later, 'Passion Flute' appeared on the Paradise Sounds label.
She is currently still performing.
Bobbi's new website is now online.
...you can check her website here...
Albums:
Flute In (Blue Note 1971)
Dig This (Blue Note 1972)
Blacks and Blues (Blue Note 1973)
Satin Doll (Blue Note 1974)
Fancy Dancer (Blue Note 1975)
Tailor Made (Epic 1977)
Freestyle (Epic 1978)
The Good Life (Epic 1979)
City Beat (Malaco 1989)
Passion Flute (Paradise Sound 1994)
