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Tim & Bob facts for kids
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Tim & Bob
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Tim Kelley (left), Bob Robinson (right)
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Tim Kelley & Bob Robinson, Funktwons |
| Origin | Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Record producers, songwriters |
| Instruments | Piano, keyboards, acoustic guitar, drums (Tim Kelley) Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, Hammond B3 (Bob Robinson) |
| Years active | 1993–2014 (as a duo) 2014–present (as solo artists) |
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| Associated acts | |
| Members | Tim Kelley Bob Robinson |
Tim & Bob (Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson), also known as Funktwons, were a music duo from Peoria, Illinois, in the United States. They were famous for writing and producing songs for many popular artists.
Some of their biggest hits include "Thong Song" by Sisqó, "Slow Down" by Bobby V, and "They Don't Know" by Jon B.. They also worked on top songs like "So Into You" by Tamia and "Come See Me" by 112. Tim & Bob even discovered the group 112! They worked with many other artists like Bobby V, Boyz II Men, Donell Jones, and Monica. The duo stopped working together in 2014 to start their own solo music careers.
Tim & Bob won three Grammy Awards and were nominated 12 times for these prestigious music awards.
Contents
About Tim & Bob
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Tim Kelley grew up in Peoria, Illinois. His father was a musician who played the trumpet and many other instruments. Because of his dad, Tim learned to play the trumpet, piano, guitar, drums, and bass when he was just 10 years old. He continued playing trumpet and piano in his school band all the way through college.
Bob Robinson also started playing music at a young age. He played the organ and piano at his church from the age of 9. This gave him a strong understanding of gospel music.
How They Met and Started Working Together
Tim and Bob met through a friend at a local mall. They started making music together in Tim's basement, using equipment that Tim's mother bought. They later moved to New Orleans for a year, then to Chicago and Detroit. In these cities, they set up a small music production company with their own studio.
Working with Major Music Labels
Joining D.A.R.P. Inc. (1993–1996)
In Atlanta, Tim & Bob met a music producer named Dallas Austin. He signed them to his company, D.A.R.P., and officially named them "Tim & Bob." This was a big step for the duo. They began working with famous artists like TLC, Boyz II Men, Madonna, 112 (whom they discovered!), and Monica.
Tim & Bob brought their friends Tony Rich and Mario Winans from Detroit to work with them. The duo won two Grammy Awards during this time. In 1995, they won for Best R&B Album for Boyz II Men's album II. The next year, in 1996, they won again for Best R&B Album for TLC's CrazySexyCool. This album sold millions of copies! Tim & Bob produced and wrote five songs on the Boyz II Men album II, which became the best-selling album ever by an R&B group.
After winning these Grammys, Tim & Bob also worked on songs for several movies, including Def Jam's How to Be a Player, The Players Club, Poetic Justice, Wild Wild West, and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. They often worked with famous producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on different projects.
Moving to Los Angeles and DreamWorks (1997–1999)
Tim & Bob moved to Los Angeles and signed new deals with DreamWorks Records. They quickly had a number one hit song with Jon B. called "They Don't Know". They also had a top 5 hit with Tamia called "So Into You". The duo also helped the rock group Papa Roach get signed to DreamWorks.
The "Thong Song" Success
In 1999, Tim & Bob produced Sisqó's huge hit song "Thong Song". This song was incredibly popular! It won Song of the Year Hip Hop/Rhythmic at the 2000 Radio Music Awards. It reached number one in New Zealand and on several Billboard charts in the U.S., including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. It also reached number 3 on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart.
More Hits and Grammy Nominations (2000–2003)
In 2001, Tim & Bob produced "Missing You" for Case, which was his only number one song. They also worked on Dave Hollister's "Take Care of Home".
By 2003, Tim & Bob were working with legendary groups. They contributed to Isley Brothers' album Body Kiss and to Earth, Wind And Fire's song "Hold Me." Both of these projects were nominated for Grammy Awards.
Discovering New Talent (2004–Present)
Tim & Bob discovered Bobby Valentino and produced his first album. This album included the hit songs "Tell Me" and "Slow Down" in 2005. "Slow Down" was number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for four weeks!
They continued to work on many other projects. They produced six songs for Bobby Valentino's second album, Special Occasion. They also worked with Jennifer Lopez on her album Rebirth, Brian McKnight's Ten, and Donell Jones' Journey of a Gemini. Other artists they worked with include Hilary Duff, Nas, Joe, Musiq Soulchild, Brandy, Tyrese, Amerie, Mýa, Usher, Jamie Foxx, and The Black Eyed Peas.
In 2011, Tim & Bob produced half of Bobby V's album Fly on the Wall. They also reunited with Boyz II Men to produce four songs for their album Twenty, including a new version of "Motown Philly."
Key to the City of Peoria
On November 18, 2011, the city of Peoria, Illinois honored Tim & Bob by declaring it "Tim & Bob Day." They were also given a special ceremonial key to the city, which is a big honor!
Film Work
In 2010, Tim & Bob created the music for the movie Lottery Ticket. This means they composed the score and helped choose the songs for the film.
The Duo Splits Up
Tim & Bob decided to go their separate ways in 2014. Tim Kelley explained that they had different ideas about their music style. He said that Bob started exploring a smoother jazz sound, while their duo was known for a more energetic and creative sound with unique drum patterns. They talked about it and decided it was time for them to try working on their own.
After the split, Tim Kelley became the President of Urban Music and Head of A&R (Artists and Repertoire) for SoNo Recording Group. In this role, he signed and produced albums for artists like Brian McKnight, Take 6, Shawn Stockman, Raheem DeVaughn, and his long-time collaborator Bobby V.
In 2017, Bob Robinson produced "My Man" for Tamar Braxton. This song did very well, reaching number three on the Adult R&B Songs Billboard chart. In the same year, Tim Kelley had credits on Brian McKnight's "When I'm Gone" and Raheem DeVaughn's "Just Right."
Awards and Nominations
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| Wins | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nominations | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Note
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Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are very important awards given each year for achievements in the music industry.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
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| 1994 | II | Best R&B Album | Won |
| 1995 | "CrazySexyCool" | Best R&B Album | Won |
| 1998 | "Tamia" | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
| 2000 | "My Name is Joe" | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
| 2001 | "Thong Song" | Best R&B Song | Nominated |
| "Thong Song" | Best Male R&B Vocal Performance | Nominated | |
| "Unleash The Dragon" | Best R&B Album | Nominated | |
| 2002 | "Missing You" | Best Male R&B Vocal Performance | Nominated |
| 2003 | "Body Kiss" | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
| "Hold Me" | Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance | Nominated | |
| 2014 | "Three Kings" | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
| 2015 | "X" | Best Urban Contemporary Album | Nominated |
| 2017 | "This Is Acting" | Best Pop Vocal Album | Nominated |
Images for kids
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Tim, Babyface, Bob