Bobby Patterson

Biography

Bobby Patterson, born March 13, 1944 in Dallas, Texas, is a celebrated American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He began performing at age 10, playing guitar and drums, and by his early teens had formed the Royal Rockers, a band that won local talent contests and earned him his first recording opportunity in California. Patterson's early career was shaped by his work with Abnak Records, where his 1962 single 'You Just Got To Understand' led to the creation of Jetstar Records, a soul division where he recorded and produced for much of the 1960s.

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Patterson became a respected figure in the Dallas soul scene, known for his gritty, hard-edged vocal style reminiscent of Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, yet marked by his own distinct flair. He scored regional hits like 'T.C.B. Or T.Y.A.,' 'Let Them Talk,' and 'I'm In Love With You,' and later transitioned into production, working with artists such as Fontella Bass, Chuck Jackson, and Little Johnny Taylor. Patterson's songs were covered by blues and rock acts including Albert King and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, further cementing his influence.

Patterson's career is notable for its breadth: he has been a singer, songwriter, producer, label owner, and radio DJ, notably hosting a popular soul show on Dallas's KKDA-AM from 1997 to 2012. His musical legacy is defined by his commitment to soul and blues traditions, his ability to adapt across decades, and his mentorship of younger musicians. Patterson's enduring presence was recognized with the Willie Dixon Lifetime Achievement Writers Award in 2022, and his recent recordings and performances continue to inspire new generations of soul fans.

Fun Facts

• Patterson was a popular morning DJ on Dallas's KKDA-AM from 1997 to 2012, known for his colorful catchphrases and storytelling.
• He formed his first band, the Royal Rockers, as a teenager and won local talent contests in Dallas.
• Patterson was awarded the Willie Dixon Lifetime Achievement Writers Award from the Jus’ Blues Music Foundation in 2022.
• After recovering from a stroke, Patterson released gospel songs in 2021, including 'Praise His Holy Name.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bobby 'Blue' Bland - Stylistic influence; Patterson continued the soul-blues tradition established by Bland. (General influence on vocal and songwriting style) [1950s-1960s]
• Otis Redding - Major inspiration for Patterson's hard-edged soul vocal style. (General influence on performance and songwriting) [1960s]
• Wilson Pickett - Influence on Patterson's energetic soul delivery and stage presence. (General influence on vocal style) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Fontella Bass - Produced records for Bass during his career as a producer. (Production work (specific album titles not found in sources)) [1970s]
• Little Johnny Taylor - Produced records for Taylor; both were active in the soul-blues scene. (Production work (specific album titles not found in sources)) [1970s]
• Zach Ernst - Collaborated on a comeback album after 2012; Ernst is guitarist with Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears and the Relatives. (Unreleased album recorded post-2012) [2010s]
• The Mustangs - Backing band for Patterson on several Jetstar singles. ('I'm Leroy, I'll Take Her', 'Broadway Ain't Funky No More', 'T.C.B. Or T.Y.A.', 'My Thing Is Your Thing') [1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Albert King - Recorded Patterson's song 'That's What The Blues Is All About.' ('That's What The Blues Is All About' (recorded by King)) [1970s]
• The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Covered Patterson's 'How Do You Spell Love?', helping bring his songwriting to blues-rock audiences. ('How Do You Spell Love?' (covered by Fabulous Thunderbirds)) [1980s]
• Jeff Tweedy (Golden Smog) - Sang a Patterson original with the alt-country supergroup Golden Smog. (Golden Smog's cover of a Patterson song (specific title not found in sources)) [1995]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I'm in Love With You (My Thing Is Your Thing: Jetstar Strut From Bobby Patterson)
2. How Do You Spell Love (It's Just a Matter of Time)
3. T.C.B. or T.Y.A. (My Thing Is Your Thing: Jetstar Strut From Bobby Patterson)
4. I Get My Groove From You (Soul Of The Man)
5. Let Them Talk (Soul Is My Music: The Best of Bobby Patterson)
6. Sourwood Mountain (Legends of Old-Time Music: Fifty Years of County Records)
7. Till You Give In (My Thing Is Your Thing: Jetstar Strut From Bobby Patterson)
8. Sail Away Ladies (Legends of Old-Time Music: Fifty Years of County Records)
9. I Get My Groove from You (It's Just a Matter of Time)
10. How Do You Spell Love? (Soul Of The Man)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia