Bobby Hendricks: The Unsung Hero of Rock & Roll

About Bobby Hendricks

Robert Raymond Hendricks (February 22, 1938 – March 25, 2022) was an American R&B singer who charted two hits in the late 1950s.

About This Footage

The 1957 footage of Bobby Hendricks, captured live on stage, is a rare and significant artifact of the early days of R&B. At the time, Hendricks was just 19 years old and had already made a name for himself as the frontman of The Drifters. His voice, a golden-tenor sound that would become synonymous with the genre, was still in its formative stages.

But what's striking about this footage is not just Hendricks' talent - it's the context in which he performed. 1957 was a time when the R&B industry was still in its infancy, and young Black artists like Hendricks were often exploited by contract-happy labels and managers. Hendricks himself would later speak out about the lack of protection for artists during this period.

The Drifters, one of the most influential groups of the era, were a prime example of this exploitation. Formed in 1953, the group's original lineup included Hendricks, who sang on classics like "Drip Drop." But behind the glamour of their performances lay a complex web of contracts and industry control that often left artists with little financial gain.

Hendricks' story is one of survival - he pushed his way into the spotlight from poverty-stricken Columbus, Ohio, and eventually went solo in 1958. His hit single "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" crossed over into rock 'n' roll charts and became a jukebox favorite. But despite his success, Hendricks never reached superstar status, instead opting for steady touring and live performances that earned him millions.

This footage is significant not just because of Hendricks' talent, but also because it offers a glimpse into the rough-and-tumble world of 1950s R&B. It's a reminder of the industry's darker side - the exploitation, the manipulation, and the lack of protection for young artists. And yet, despite these challenges, Hendricks persevered, leaving behind a legacy of soulful success that continues to inspire.

Watching this footage, viewers will take away more than just a glimpse into Hendricks' talent - they'll also get a sense of the era in which he performed. They'll see the sweat-drenched stage, the cramped venues, and the makeshift equipment that defined the early days of R&B. And they'll hear Hendricks' voice, still golden-tenor and full of life, even as it struggles to rise above the din of the crowd.

Hendricks may have never reached superstardom, but his impact on the genre is undeniable. He was more than just a sideman - he was a survivor who left behind a warning about the dangers of industry exploitation. And in this footage, we see not just a talented performer, but also a testament to the enduring power of soul music.

The image that stays with you long after watching this clip is Hendricks himself, standing center-stage, his voice soaring above the crowd. It's an image that says as much about the era in which he performed as it does about the man behind the mic. And it's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, talent and perseverance can still shine through.

Curated from public records and music databases.