Bobbi Humphrey facts for kids

Barbara Ann "Bobbi" Humphrey (born April 25, 1950) is an American jazz flutist and singer. She is known for her unique style, mixing jazz with funk and soul music. Bobbi has released many albums throughout her career. In 1971, she made history as the first female musician to sign with Blue Note. Later, in 1994, she started her own music company called Paradise Sounds Records.

Bobbi Humphrey's Early Life

Bobbi Humphrey was born in Marlin, Texas, and grew up in Dallas. She finished high school in 1968. During high school, she learned to play the flute, studying both classical and jazz music. She continued her music studies at college.

A famous jazz musician named Dizzy Gillespie saw her play at a talent show. He told her she should move to New York City to follow her music dreams. Bobbi took his advice and moved there in June 1971. Soon after, she got her first chance to perform at the famous Apollo Theater.

Bobbi Humphrey's Music Career

Just a few weeks after moving to New York, Bobbi Humphrey signed with Blue Note. She was already performing often around the city. She even played with Herbie Mann in Central Park. She also had a surprise performance on The Tonight Show.

In 1971, she joined trumpeter Lee Morgan's band for his last album. Morgan also helped with Bobbi's first album, Flute-In, which came out in 1971.

Playing with Music Legends

Bobbi has played with many famous musicians. These include Duke Ellington and George Benson. Benson and Humphrey were guest musicians on Stevie Wonder's song "Another Star." This song was from his 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life. In 1976, Billboard magazine named her the Best Female Instrumentalist.

She has performed at many famous places. These include the Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, and Carnegie Hall. She also played at big events like the Montreux Jazz Festival. Bobbi says that Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, and James Moody have inspired her music.

Her Hit Album: Blacks and Blues

One of her most popular albums for Blue Note was Blacks and Blues. She recorded it in 1973 with the Mizell Brothers. On this album, she changed her style. She started mixing jazz with funk music. She wanted to work with the Mizell Brothers after hearing their work on Donald Byrd's album, Black Byrd.

Blacks and Blues was recorded very quickly, in just three days. On songs like "Harlem River Drive," Bobbi made up her flute parts as she played. She said the Mizell Brothers would play the music, and she would just play what she felt. This album was her first to appear on the Billboard charts.

More Popular Albums

Her 1974 album, Satin Doll, continued her mix of soul jazz and funk. This album was a tribute to Duke Ellington, who had recently passed away. The album cover even features Bobbi's daughter, Ricci Lynn. Satin Doll was her second album to chart on the Billboard 200.

Fancy Dancer was her third album with the Mizell Brothers. It included sounds from Latin percussion and harp. For her next album, Tailor Made, she moved to Epic.

Beyond Performing

Even though her albums sold well, Bobbi didn't make much money from her early Blue Note records. So, in 1977, she decided to get involved in the business side of music. She started her own company, Innovative Artist Management. She also created The Bobbi Humphrey Music Company, which worked with Warner Bros. in 1990.

Bobbi helped singer Tevin Campbell start his music career. In 1994, she launched her own record label, Paradise Sounds Records. She released her album Passion Flute on this new label that same year.

Bobbi Humphrey's music, especially Blacks and Blues, has been used by many hip-hop artists. These include Eric B. & Rakim, Grand Puba, Digable Planets, Mobb Deep, Ludacris, and Ice-T. In 2002, rapper Common asked her to play on his album Electric Circus.

Bobbi Humphrey's Albums

As the Main Artist

As a Guest Musician

• With Common: Electric Circus (MCA, 2002)
• With Gwen Guthrie: Lifeline (Warner Bros., 1988)
• With Lee Morgan: The Last Session (Blue Note, 1972)
• With Stevie Wonder: Songs in The Key of Life (Motown Records, 1976)