Bobby Marchan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bobby Marchan
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Oscar James Gibson |
| Also known as | Bobby Fields |
| Born | April 30, 1930 Youngstown, Ohio, United States |
| Died | December 5, 1999 (aged 69) Gretna, Louisiana, United States |
| Genres | R&B, rock and roll |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, bandleader, mc, female impersonator |
| Years active | 1940s–1980s |
| Associated acts | Huey (Piano) Smith and the Clowns |
Bobby Marchan (born Oscar James Gibson, April 30, 1930 – December 5, 1999) was an American rhythm and blues singer and songwriter. He was also a bandleader and a master of ceremonies (MC), which means he hosted events. Bobby Marchan was a key singer in the early group Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns.
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About Bobby Marchan
Bobby Marchan was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He started performing at a young age, creating his own shows called the Powder Box Revue. In the mid-1950s, he began performing in New Orleans nightclubs like the Dew Drop Inn.
His first song, "Have Mercy," was recorded in 1954. He later recorded for labels like Dot and Ace. For a short time, he released music under the name Bobby Fields.
Working with Huey "Piano" Smith
Starting in 1957, Marchan toured with a band called the Clowns. This band was led by Huey "Piano" Smith. Sometimes, Bobby Marchan would be the lead singer and bandleader for the touring group. This happened while Huey Smith stayed in New Orleans to write new songs.
A famous piano player named James Booker was also part of the touring band. Bobby Marchan sang on some of Huey Smith and the Clowns' biggest hits. These included "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" and "Don't You Just Know It". He also sang on the first version of "Sea Cruise".
Solo Career and Hit Songs
In 1959, Bobby Marchan decided to leave the Clowns and focus on his own music. He signed with Fire Records. In 1960, he had a huge hit song called "There's Something on Your Mind". This song reached number one on the national R&B music charts. It was a "cover version" of a song by Big Jay McNeely. This means Marchan sang his own version of a song someone else had recorded first. He added long spoken parts to his version.
After this big hit, his next songs were not as successful. In 1963, he joined Stax Records, a famous music label. He then moved to the Dial label. In 1965, he recorded his own song, "Get Down With It." This song became very popular. Other artists, like Little Richard, covered it. Later, a British band called Slade reworked the song in 1971. Their version, "Get Down and Get with It," became their first hit.
Marchan continued to record music for different labels. In 1966, he had another R&B chart hit with "Shake Your Tambourine." By the early 1970s, he returned to performing in New Orleans clubs. He often performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 1987, he released a new version of his biggest hit, "There Is Something On Your Mind."
Later Years and Legacy
In the 1980s, Bobby Marchan started his own company called Manicure Productions. In the 1990s, his company helped book and promote hip hop music artists. He was also involved in the early days of Cash Money Records, a very successful record label.
Bobby Marchan passed away on December 5, 1999, in Gretna, Louisiana, at the age of 69, after a serious illness.
Chart Hits
With Huey (Piano) Smith and the Clowns
- "Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" (1957) – Reached #5 on R&B charts and #52 on Pop charts.
- "Don't You Just Know It" (1958) – Reached #4 on R&B charts and #9 on Pop charts.
Solo Songs
- "There's Something on Your Mind" (1960) – Reached #1 on R&B charts and #31 on Pop charts.
- "I've Got a Thing Going On" (1964) – Reached #25 on R&B charts and #116 on Pop charts.
- "Shake Your Tambourine" (1966) – Reached #14 on R&B charts.
Images for kids
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Bobby Marchan
