Born with the Blues: Bobby Foster

Singer Bobby Foster recorded numerous Soul and Blues songs in the 50’s and 60’s. He was born on this date in Tchula, Mississippi in 1941.

First Recordings

Bobby Foster first recorded in 1959 on the short lived Stevens Records (March – September 1959). The label was based out of Granite City, Illinois and was best known for it’s recordings of Ike Turner. Because Turner was still under contract with Sun Records, he performed under the pseudonym Ickey Renrut. Foster cut a single 45 as Bobby Foster and His Orchestra including “Angel Above” and “Star of Love”. The latter features Ike Turner on guitar.

Foster’s next release would be “Soothe Me Baby” under the Runhall Label. Considered to be his best work, this recording would show his controlled falsetto creating a classically controlled deep soul number.

Memphis Recordings

Foster relocated to Memphis in the mid-60s and began recording at Sam Phillip’s Studio. Under various subsidiaries of Sun Records, Foster would go on to record several cuts of varying styles including “This Time I’m Really Leaving”.

Foster’s final recordings would be “If You Really Need A Friend” and “Building Up (For a Let Down)”.

Outside of his recordings, almost no information is available about him.