Robert Bateman (songwriter) facts for kids

Robert Bateman (born April 30, 1936 – died October 12, 2016) was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. He helped write famous songs like "Please Mr. Postman" and "If You Need Me".

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Robert Bateman was born in Chicago, Illinois. In 1957, he became one of the first members of a singing group called the Satintones in Detroit, Michigan. Robert was the bass singer in the group, which means he sang the lowest notes.

In 1959, the Satintones started recording music for Motown Records. Robert also worked for Motown as a backing singer and an engineer. He even helped Motown get its first recording machine, which was a tape recorder that a radio station named WJLB no longer needed.

Working with Motown and Big Hits

The Satintones released several songs with Motown but didn't have a big hit. So, in 1961, the group broke up. After that, Robert Bateman teamed up with Brian Holland to write and produce songs. They were known as "Brianbert."

One of their biggest successes was helping to rewrite the song "Please Mr. Postman." They worked with Georgia Dobbins from the Marvelettes on this song. Robert and Brian then produced the Marvelettes' recording of "Please Mr. Postman." This song became the very first Motown song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music chart! Later, famous groups like the Beatles and the Carpenters also recorded the song.

New Adventures in Music

In 1962, Robert Bateman left Motown. He joined a new record label in Detroit called Correc-Tone Records. The next year, he moved to New York City to work for Capitol Records. There, he worked with many talented musicians, including Florence Ballard and Wilson Pickett.

With Wilson Pickett and his old bandmate Sonny Sanders from the Satintones, Robert co-wrote the song "If You Need Me." Wilson Pickett first recorded this song, and it also became a hit for Solomon Burke. Later, the Rolling Stones also recorded their own version of "If You Need Me." In 1967, Robert also co-wrote two more R&B hit songs with singer Lou Courtney. He returned to work in Detroit in 1970.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Robert Bateman often attended events that celebrated Motown's history. In early 2016, he was honored and added to the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

Robert Bateman passed away later that year, at the age of 80. He had a heart attack after going to an awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California. His work as a singer, songwriter, and producer helped shape the sound of R&B music.