Bobby Womack is set to release 'The Bravest Man In The Universe' a brand new album on 11th June 2012 in the UK/12th in the US. Co-produced by Damon Albarn and Richard Russell, The Bravest Man In The Universe was recorded at Albarn's 'Studio 13' in west London and New York's Manhattan Center between October and December 2011. It's Bobby Womack's first album of original material since 1994's Resurrection. Scroll down to see, hear and learn more about Bobby's rich and varied career thus far.
"I was ostracised from the music community when I was 21 (on marrying Barbra Cooke, Sam Cooke's widow). I feel like after 45 years Damon has welcomed me back in." Bobby Womack
"I've listened to Bobby a lot - I've played some of his tracks on repeat for entire nights, so I've spent quite a lot of time absorbing his spirit. We haven't rushed into anything." Damon Albarn
"Bobby's musical history is so spectacular that it was hard to believe how free of ego he is, and how open to new ideas. But Bobby seemed to relish the opportunity to make something modern and original, and embraced and encouraged the use of unusual beats and sounds." Richard Russell
What follows is a whirlwind trip back through Bobby Womack's extraordinary life and career. It features excerpts from his autobiography Midnight Mover, personal photos and videos of some of the many musical masterpieces that Bobby has helped create. These are just a few highlights, for a fuller picture please read Midnight Mover...
The first song from Bobby's 27th studio album, The Bravest Man In The Universe is released. The song is co-produced by Damon Albarn and Richard Russell.
Bobby works with Damon Albarn on his Gorillaz project, singing on the albums The Fall and Plastic Beach.
Bobby's 1968 cover of California Dreamin' is used as the main musical theme in Andrea Arnold's acclaimed film, Fish Tank.
Quentin Tarantino reprises Bobby's 1973 hit Across 110th Street for the title theme to his movie Jackie Brown starring Bobby's former girlfriend Pam Grier.
With vocals by Bobby Womack.
With backing vocals by Bobby Womack.
Taken from Bobby's album Poet.
The riff from this song was borrowed from Bobby's 1975 hit, If You Want My Love (Put Something Down On It).
Written by Bobby Womack.
Taken from Bobby's album Anthology.
The riff from this song was borrowed by Rod Stewart for Da Ya Think I'm Sexy
Hippie Written by Bobby about his brother, Harry. Taken from Bobby's album, Understanding.
Title song from the soundtrack, written and performed by Bobby.
Released posthumously. Recorded with Bobby Womack.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
Janis Joplin died the day after she recorded Mercedes Benz with Bobby. He was the last person to see her alive, or last but one. Her dealer saw her last.
In 1970 Bobby and Barbara divorce.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
In 1968 Bobby released his album Fly Me To The Moon, which included his classic version of The Mamas And The Papas' California Dreamin'.
Written by Bobby Womack.
Title song from the Oscar-winning film starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
Bobby Womack's first solo release.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
Sam Cooke is shot dead by Bertha Franklin in a Los Angeles motel. Four months later Bobby marries Cooke's widow, Barbara.
The Rolling Stones score their first US no 1 with a cover of The Valentinos, It's All Over Now, written by Bobby Womack.
The Valentinos score their first hit.
Features Bobby Womack on guitar.
Bobby Dwayne Womack born Cleveland, Ohio.
"As a singer grows older, his conception grows deeper, because he lives life, and he understands what he's trying to say a little more." Sam Cooke