Bobby Womack, an R&B superstar whose hits included “Woman’s Gotta Have It” and “Across 110th Street,” and “Looking for a Love,” has died in Los Angeles at age 70. His wife Regina found him dead in his bed this morning. He’d been doing gigs and a schedule of concerts lined up for this summer. But Womack suffered from a bad heart after a lifetime of drug abuse. He was predeceased by his brother Cecil, also a famed performer was once married to Motown star Mary Wells (“My Guy”).
Bobby’s other brothers are Curtis Womack and Friendly Womack. Cecil and Linda– who was the daughter of Sam Cooke– performed as the hit duo Womack and Womack. Bobby married Barbara Cooke, Sam Cooke’s widow, after the famous singer was killed.
Bobby Womack’s first group was called the Valentinos. He was also Sam Cooke’s lead guitarist. A prolific songwriter, it was Bobby who wrote the Rolling Stones’ first hit “It’s All Over Now.” The song has been covered by everyone.
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Womack leaves a great legacy and catalog including a landmark album called “The Poet.” His death was sudden, as Friendly Womack told friends today he’d spoken to Bobby last night and “he was fine.”
