16 September 2007

Bobby Wattrell - one 45rpm only?



Bobby Wattrell, [a name that seems to rhyme on: what the hell] who is he...?

I've got this nice 45 rpm of him, but have no information about the singer at all...
The facts: Bobby recorded one 45 rpm record on Magnasound 45-701: Terry b/w Bye Bye Blackbird. One side a John D. Loudermilk song, the other written by Dixon-Henderson. Released December 1963.

Magnasound is a subsidiary label of Monument records. The song is labeled as "A Norro production". Without a doubt this is Norro Wilson, the country singer/ songwriter, who worked for Monument records.
Listen to a sample of Bye, Bye, Blackbird.
Google does not give many clues to the name Bobby Wattrell. He probably hasn't recorded any more as a solo artist.

The family name Wattrell seems to be not very common. Which gives me hope that someday someone somewhere will happen to find my page and be able to tell me more about the singer...

Update March 2019: the Tennessean, March 1970, reports about a concert by the Newbeats, with a Bobby Wattrell added as a drummer.

4 comments :

Anonymous said...

Well I've had that 45 since about 1964. It says Disc Jockey Sample on my copy and the star is a little higher up on the label. I've wondered who he was for over 40 years. If you find out please let me know.

david h pryor said...

I felt like I didn't give you enough info of Bobby. Bobby loved his drugs. Back in 71 he was doing cough syrup among other things. Bobby was talented no doubt. Had a "Very" creative mind. I used Dean Mathis(Newbeats) as a bass player at The Black Poodle and thats where Bobby met him, so the Newbeats gig was right for that time. Bobby had a lazy eye and couldn't drive, but he got around some how. I talk about as if he's dead because that's what I've heard over the years (50 or more). Need anything more write to: dpryor3330twlakes.net

Kees said...

Thank you David for your information! Very useful addition it is. A sad story about Bobby too. If you happen to have a picture of Bobby, that would be great!

David Baugh said...

I've had that 45 by Bobby Watrell since I got it at radio station WMAK 1300 back in 1963. I found an article in the The Tennessean newspaper on March 8, 1970. I was unable to copy it, but it was a story about The Newbeats. Bobby Watrell was named as the drummer for the Newbeats. Other members mentioned were Larry Henley, Dean and Mark Mathis.