Bob Relf facts for kids

Robert Nelson Relf (born January 10, 1937 – died November 20, 2007) was an American R&B and soul musician. He was famous for being one half of the music group Bob & Earl. Their most well-known song was "Harlem Shuffle". This song was first released in the US in 1963 and in the UK in 1964. It became a big hit in the UK when it was re-released in 1969, reaching number 7 on the music charts. Relf also had a popular solo song called "Blowing My Mind to Pieces," which was loved by fans of Northern soul music in the UK during the 1970s.

Rob Relf's Music Journey

Rob Relf started his music career early. In 1954, while attending Fremont High School in Los Angeles, he joined a doo-wop group called The Laurels. The group included his friends Sam Jackson, Ted Brown, and Ronald Brown. They recorded songs for Combo and Cash Record labels. One of their songs, "Our Love," was a special ballad that many people thought was one of Relf's best recordings.

After The Laurels, Relf tried a solo career. He released a song called "Little Fool" in 1956, but it wasn't a big success. He also spent time singing with other groups like the Crescendoes and The Hollywood Flames. With the Crescendoes, he recorded songs such as "Finders Keepers" for Atlantic Records in 1956.

Joining Bob and Earl

The music duo Bob & Earl was first formed in 1957 by Bobby Day and Earl Nelson. In 1962, Bobby Day decided to start a solo career. That's when Rob Relf stepped in to take his place, joining Earl Nelson to become the new Bob & Earl.

Together, Rob Relf and Earl Nelson recorded their famous song "Harlem Shuffle" in 1963. A talented keyboard player named Barry White helped arrange parts of this song.

Singing as Bobby Valentino

Rob Relf also used other names for his music. As 'Bobby Valentino,' he recorded a song called "Special Delivery." This song was released on the West Coast label Lita.

Singing as Bobby Garrett

In 1966, Rob Relf used the name 'Bobby Garrett' to release two singles on the Mirwood label. One of these songs, "I Can't Get Away," became a favorite among Northern soul fans in the UK. It was even used in a TV advertisement for Kentucky Fried Chicken in the US. Another popular song by Bobby Garrett was "My Little Girl."

Becoming a Northern Soul Favorite

Rob Relf's solo song, "Blowing My Mind To Pieces," was recorded at Ray Charles' RPM studios in Los Angeles. This uplifting song was written by Lou Barreto and produced by Lou Barreto and Rod Bumgardner. It became a big hit on the Northern Soul music scene in the early 1970s. The song was re-released in the UK in 1974.

Later Music Work

Later in his career, Rob Relf wrote and produced songs for other artists. He worked with Jackie Lee on songs like "The Chicken."

In the early 1970s, Relf started working with Barry White again. He helped produce music for groups like Love Unlimited and White Heat. Rob Relf also wrote a song called "Bring Back My Yesterday," which Barry White recorded in 1973 for his album I've Got So Much to Give. Relf also helped write "I Should Have Known," which was on the B-side of Love Unlimited's hit song, "Walkin' In The Rain with the One I Love."

Rob Relf's Passing

After being unwell for several years, Rob Relf passed away at his home in Bakersfield in 2007. He was buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles on November 27, 2007.