Biography
Lil' Bob and the Lollipops was a prominent R&B and swamp pop band led by Camille Bob, also known as Lil' Bob or Little Bob. Born on November 7, 1937, in Arnaudville, Louisiana, Camille Bob grew up in rural Prairie Laurent, where he developed an early passion for music while working on a farm. Inspired by the sounds of B.B. King and other blues legends, Bob began performing as a singing drummer and soon formed his own group, The Lollipops, in the mid-1950s.
The band first recorded for Goldband Records in Lake Charles in 1957 and quickly became a staple of the Louisiana music scene, blending rhythm and blues with the distinctive swamp pop style of the region. Their energetic performances and soulful sound made them favorites at local dance halls and clubs, and their hit "I Got Loaded" became an enduring classic. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Lil' Bob and the Lollipops entertained generations of fans and left a lasting mark on the musical landscape of Southwest Louisiana.
Although the group never achieved mainstream national fame, their influence on regional music was profound. Camille Bob's leadership and musical vision helped define the sound of Louisiana R&B and swamp pop, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians in the genres of Cajun, zydeco, and beyond.
Fun Facts
- Camille Bob was both the lead singer and drummer for the band, a rare combination in popular music.
- Their signature song, 'I Got Loaded,' has been widely covered and remains a staple at Louisiana dance halls.
- Lil' Bob and the Lollipops were known for their marathon live performances, often playing for hours at local clubs.
- Despite regional fame, the band maintained a strong local following for over five decades, rarely touring outside Louisiana.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- B.B. King - Major musical influence; inspired Bob's early interest in blues and R&B. (General influence; no direct collaboration.) [1940s-1950s]
Key Collaborators
- The Lollipops - Backing band formed and led by Camille Bob; performed and recorded together. (Albums and singles including 'I Got Loaded') [1957-2015]
Artists Influenced
- Southwest Louisiana R&B and swamp pop musicians - Inspired subsequent generations of regional artists with his blend of R&B, swamp pop, and dance band style. (General influence on local music scene.) [1960s-present]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles | 2017-09-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Nobody but You (Swamp Gold, Vol. 4)
- I Got Loaded (Swamp Gold, Vol. 1)
- You Know It Ain't Right (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
- You're Pouring Water (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
- Who Needs You So Bad (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
- Sweet Soul Music (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
- You Know It Ain't Right (Swamp Gold, Vol. 5)
- I Found Someone (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
- Everybody Needs Love (Love Makes The World Go 'Round) (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
- Keep On Trying (Sweet Soul Swinger & The Jin Singles)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Lil' Bob and the Lollipops has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 23:33 | NOBODY BUT YOU | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 07:21 | Trouble in Mind (Instrumental)from Sweet Soul Swinger and The Jin Singles | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |