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Key Information

Robert Raymond Hendricks (February 22, 1938 – March 25, 2022)[1][2] was an American R&B singer who charted two hits in the late 1950s.

Life and career

[edit]

Hendricks was born in Columbus, Ohio, where he joined his first group, the Crowns, at the age of 16.[1] He was then a member of The Swallows, and The Flyers, before joining The Drifters in 1957. He sang lead on songs including "Drip Drop", and then became a successful solo act.[3]

His single "Itchy Twitchy Feeling", which was covered by his former band soon after it began attracting radio airplay, hit the U.S. charts, reaching No. 5 on the R&B Singles chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958.[3] Hendricks's only other charting single, "Psycho",[3] was a novelty song depicting a psychiatrist talking with a patient.[4] "Psycho" peaked at No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. New York City disc jockey Dr. Jive (Tommy Smalls) was the voice of the psychiatrist on "Psycho".[5]

From 1961, on and off, through 2008, Bobby Hendricks worked as lead singer with Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters[3] and appeared with them on PBS in the Doo Wop 51 television broadcast and Doo Wop Love Songs, singing "Stand By Me" with Bill Pinkney, Charlie Thomas, and Ben E. King.

Bobby Hendricks died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at his home in Lancaster, California on March 25, 2022. He was 84 years old. He had been diagnosed with the disease in 2016.[6]

Discography

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
  • "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" / "A Thousand Dreams" - Sue Records, 1958
  • "Dreamy Eyes" / "Molly Be Good" - Sue Records, 1958
  • "Cast Your Vote" / "It's Misery" - Sue Records, 1959
  • "I'm A Big Boy Now" / "Good Things Will Come" - Sue Records, 1959
  • "Little John Green" / "Sincerely, Your Lover" - Sue Records, 1959
  • "City Of Angels" / "If I Just Had Your Love" - Sue Records, 1960
  • "Busy Flirtin'" / "I Want That" - Sue Records, 1960
  • "Psycho" / "Too Good To Be True" - Sue Records, 1960
  • "I'm Coming Home" / "Every Other Night" - Mercury Records, (1961)
  • "That's All I Got From You" / "I Got A Feeling" - Alta Records, 1962 (with Jimmy Velvit)
  • "My Picture" / "You Drive Buddy" - Patience Records. 1962 (recorded as The Sprites)
  • "Let's Get It Over" / "Love In My Heart" - Cub Records, 1963
  • "I Watched You Slowly Slip Away" (Howard Guyton) / "Let's Get It On" (Bobby Hendricks) - Stardust Records (year unknown)[7]
  • "Let's Get It Over" / "Love In My Heart" - MGM Records, 1963

Albums

[edit]

Compilation albums (various artists)

[edit]

(Albums that include at least one track by Bobby Hendricks)

  • Les Années 60 - Le Musée De S.L.C. (Volume 2) (2xLP)- United Artists Records ("Itchy Twitchy Feeling")
  • The Rock 'N' Roll Era - The '50s: Rave On (2xLP, RM) - Time-Life Music, 1989 ("Itchy Twitchy Feeling")
  • The Golden Age of American Rock 'N' Roll: Special Novelty Edition - Ace Records UK, 2003 ("Psycho")
  • Very Best of The Drifters - Rhino Records, 1993 ("Drip Drop")
  • Best of Sue Records - Collectables Records, 1994 ("Itchy Twitchy Feeling") and ("A Thousand Dreams")
  • The Sue Records Story [4-CD box set] - EMI UK, 1994 ("Itchy Twitchy Feeling") +
  • Blowing The Fuse - 31 R&B Classics That Rocked The Jukebox In 1958 - Bear Family Records, 2006 ("Itchy Twitchy Feeling")
  • Golden Age Of American Rock 'N Roll - Ace Records UK, 2003 ("Psycho")
  • The Golden Age of American Rock 'N' Roll Vol. 6 - Ace Records UK, 1997 ("Psycho")

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bobby Hendricks

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bobby Hendricks (February 22, 1938 – March 25, 2022) was an American singer and songwriter, renowned for his brief but impactful tenure as lead vocalist with and his solo hits in the late 1950s. Born Robert Raymond Hendricks in , he rose to prominence in the doo-wop and R&B scene, contributing to several groups before launching a solo career that yielded two chart entries on the Hot 100. Hendricks began his musical journey in the mid-1950s as a member of local Columbus groups, including the Crowns, , and Flyers, where he honed his vocals and style. In 1957, he joined as lead singer and fronted their recording of "Drip Drop," a song co-written by that reached No. 58 on the pop chart. That same year, Hendricks departed for a solo contract with , debuting with "Itchy Twitchy Feeling," a lively track that climbed to No. 25 on the and No. 5 on the R&B chart, marking his most successful single. His second solo release, the "Psycho" in 1960, peaked at No. 73 on the Hot 100, depicting a humorous psychiatric session. Following his initial solo efforts, Hendricks reunited with former Drifters member Bill Pinkney in 1961 to form Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters, performing together until Pinkney's death in 2007 and continuing with the group until 2008. Throughout his later career, he remained active in the doo-wop revival scene, appearing on PBS specials and doo-wop television broadcasts, and released occasional albums, including the 1996 compilation Itchy Twitchy Feeling. Hendricks passed away from complications of at his home in , at age 84.

Early life

Birth and family background

Robert Raymond Hendricks, professionally known as Bobby Hendricks, was born on February 22, 1938, in . He was the son of Samuel Hendricks and Katherine Hendricks. Hendricks grew up in a close-knit family that included two brothers, Pete and Billy, as well as two sisters, Mary and Betty. All four siblings predeceased him. The Hendricks family resided in .

Education and early musical interests

Bobby Hendricks grew up in . His early musical interests emerged from the burgeoning R&B and scenes in during the mid-20th century, which featured groups and rhythm-driven sounds gaining popularity through regional broadcasts and live performances. Influenced by trailblazing artists like and , Hendricks began honing his tenor voice in informal settings, laying the foundation for his harmonic style. Around the age of 16, in the mid-1950s, he joined The Crowns, his first singing group, a Columbus-based ensemble that included Pete Oden, Roosevelt Young, and bass Paul Moore. Through rehearsals and local amateur performances with The Crowns, Hendricks developed his vocal techniques, focusing on tight group harmonies and lead phrasing that would define his later contributions to . The group's activities remained non-professional, providing essential early exposure before Hendricks ventured beyond .

Musical career beginnings

Early groups: The Crowns, Swallows, and Flyers

Bobby Hendricks began his musical journey in vocal groups during his teenage years in . At the age of 16 in 1954, he joined his first group, the Crowns, a local ensemble that experimented with early R&B harmonies in the city's burgeoning music scene. The Crowns operated primarily on an amateur level, performing at neighborhood events and school functions without securing any recording contracts or wider recognition, which was common for many regional acts in the pre-professional era of . This early involvement honed Hendricks' voice and introduced him to the collaborative dynamics of group singing, laying the foundation for his evolving style amid the mid-1950s R&B landscape. Seeking broader opportunities, Hendricks relocated and joined the Swallows in early 1956 as their tenor, replacing Irving Turner in a later of the Baltimore-based group. Originally formed in the late with notable R&B hits like "Will You Be Mine" in 1951, the Swallows had undergone multiple lineup shifts by the mid-1950s, reflecting the instability plaguing many vocal ensembles of the period. During Hendricks' brief tenure of about two months, the group—consisting of lead Earl Hurley, baritone Eddie Rich, tenor Bobby Hendricks, second tenor Money Johnson, and bass Buddy Crawford—focused on live performances in the Northeast but produced no recordings, as their earlier contract with King Records had lapsed by 1953. The Swallows disbanded later that year due to persistent member turnover and the challenges of maintaining cohesion without steady label support, a frequent hurdle for R&B groups navigating the competitive East Coast circuit. After the disbanded in mid-1956, Hendricks and Eddie Rich formed the short-lived Marquis, recruiting former Crowns members Pete and Paul Moore. The group secured a deal with the independent Records and released the single "Popcorn Willie" b/w "I Don't Want Your Love" ( 358) in August 1956, with leads by and Rich respectively. The Marquis dissolved shortly thereafter in September 1956. Hendricks' next venture was with the Flyers, formed in September 1956. This short-lived quintet drew from his connections and featured prominent R&B talent. Comprising lead Bobby Hendricks, second Dee Ernie Bailey (a fellow ex- member), baritone Billy Kennedy, baritone Reggie Kimber, and bass (formerly of ), the group signed with Atlantic's subsidiary and recorded their sole single in December 1956: "On Bended Knee" backed with "My Only Desire" ( 6088, released March 1957). The tracks showcased Hendricks' smooth, emotive lead vocals over tight harmonies influenced by the era's street-corner style, though they received limited airplay and failed to chart amid the saturated market. The Flyers dissolved shortly after when Pinkney was rehired by , underscoring the lineup instability and lack of major label commitment that doomed many similar acts, forcing Hendricks to seek new paths in the dynamic R&B world.

Transition to professional music

Following his time with the local Crowns in , Bobby Hendricks began seeking wider opportunities in the scene, relocating to in early 1956 after the group disbanded. There, he connected with singer Eddie Rich and auditioned successfully for The Swallows, joining as tenor and replacing Irving Turner. This move marked Hendricks' entry into the East Coast's vibrant R&B ecosystem, where aspiring vocalists competed for label attention amid a surge of harmony groups. The Swallows disbanded later in 1956 with no recordings during Hendricks' tenure, prompting him to form the Marquis with Eddie Rich, which released "Popcorn Willie" b/w "I Don't Want Your Love" on Rainbow Records in August 1956. These networking efforts highlighted Hendricks' proactive pursuit of professional recording prospects, building on his amateur experience to navigate the fragmented indie label landscape. By September 1956, former Drifters founder recruited Hendricks, along with ex-Swallows member Dee Ernie Bailey, to form The Flyers, further expanding his connections in the industry. The Flyers signed with —a of the influential —in late 1956, recording in December 1956 and releasing "On Bended Knee" b/w "My Only Desire" in March 1957, immersing Hendricks in the Atlantic ecosystem known for nurturing top doo-wop and R&B talent. This period exposed him to high-stakes competition among East Coast groups vying for airplay and tours, as the genre's popularity offered young African American performers a pathway to economic stability amid limited opportunities in the post-war era. Like many doo-wop artists from Midwestern locales, Hendricks was motivated by the promise of financial independence through music, viewing full-time as an escape from regional job constraints and a chance to capitalize on the 1950s R&B boom.

Tenure with The Drifters

Joining the group

In late 1957, amid ongoing lineup instability in The Drifters following the departure of several key members, Bobby Hendricks was invited to join the group as its lead vocalist. The ensemble, managed by George Treadwell—who owned the rights to the name and frequently cycled through personnel to maintain operations under their Atlantic Records contract—had lost tenor Johnny Moore and baritone Charlie Hughes to the military draft, creating an urgent need for replacements. Treadwell's group, which had achieved early successes in the mid-1950s but faced internal strife including salary disputes and firings, sought continuity in its smooth R&B sound; Hendricks, then 19, was recommended by former Drifters bass Bill Pinkney, with whom he had recently sung in The Flyers. Hendricks' selection was bolstered by his prior experience in vocal groups like The Swallows and The Flyers, which had honed his range and harmonic skills suitable for ' established style. Upon joining in November 1957, he integrated into a lineup featuring Gerhart Thrasher on first , Jimmy Millender on baritone, Tommy Evans on bass, and guitarist Jimmy Oliver, under Treadwell's strict oversight and Atlantic's production guidance. Hendricks quickly adapted to the group's polished, doo-wop-infused approach, drawing on his background to blend seamlessly despite the high expectations set by predecessors like . Early rehearsals during Hendricks' tenure were marked by internal challenges stemming from the group's turbulent dynamics, including further personnel shifts and creative tensions. Treadwell's authoritarian exacerbated disunity, with members like Pinkney having been fired earlier over pay issues, and experimental directions from Atlantic producers leading to frustration among the singers. These pressures, combined with the relentless touring schedule, tested Hendricks' resolve as he navigated the ensemble's precarious stability, though his vocal agility helped sustain performances amid the upheaval. His time with the group proved brief, lasting less than a year, as these challenges contributed to his eventual departure in May 1958.

Key recordings and contributions

During his tenure with The Drifters from late 1957 to mid-1958, Bobby Hendricks served as the lead vocalist on several tracks, most notably providing the Clyde McPhatter-inspired performance on "Drip Drop," recorded on April 28, 1958, at ' studios in New York and released as a single in May 1958. Written and produced by the songwriting duo , the song featured Hendricks' energetic delivery over a arrangement with rhythmic handclaps and a playful narrative about a leaking roof, peaking at number 58 on the chart. The B-side, "," showcased group harmonies. Hendricks also contributed to "Suddenly There's a " during the same April 1958 session, sharing lead vocals with Tommy Evans, a track that remained unreleased at the time but later appeared on compilations, demonstrating the group's evolving sound under Leiber and Stoller's guidance. As a high tenor, his bright, soaring vocals contributed to the group's evolving sound, helping bridge their traditional roots toward a more polished, crossover R&B style that would define later hits like "There Goes My Baby." This period marked a transitional phase for , with Hendricks' contributions adding youthful energy amid lineup changes and the influence of innovative producers. Hendricks' time with the group was short-lived, ending in May 1958 as he departed to pursue opportunities as a solo artist, just before manager disbanded the lineup amid financial disputes and declining popularity.

Solo career

Debut and hit singles

After departing from in 1958, Bobby Hendricks signed with to launch his solo career. This move capitalized on his vocal experience from group settings, allowing him to pursue individual projects in the burgeoning and R&B scenes. Hendricks' debut single, "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" backed with "A Thousand Dreams," was released on Sue 706 in mid-1958, featuring backing vocals from and orchestration by Jimmy Oliver. The upbeat A-side quickly gained traction, peaking at No. 5 on the R&B chart and No. 25 on the Hot 100, marking a breakthrough commercial success for both Hendricks and the fledgling label. Its infectious rhythm and harmonies resonated in R&B markets, attracting significant radio airplay and establishing Hendricks as a promising solo artist independent of his group roots. The follow-up single, "Dreamy Eyes" b/w "Molly Be Good" on Sue 708, arrived later that year, continuing the style with support. While it received some attention in regional R&B circles, the release achieved only modest chart performance nationally, failing to replicate the prior hit's momentum. These early efforts highlighted Hendricks' smooth in the competitive R&B landscape, where promotion relied on label connections and to build audience engagement.

Mid-career releases and collaborations

Following his breakthrough with "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" in 1958, Bobby Hendricks continued releasing singles on , exploring varied R&B and pop styles. In 1959, he issued "Cast Your Vote" backed with "It's Misery," a politically themed track that reflected contemporary in doo-wop arrangements. Later that year, "I'm a Big Boy Now" / "Good Things Will Come" showcased a more upbeat, youthful energy typical of the era's teen-oriented R&B. These releases maintained his momentum from earlier hits but did not achieve significant chart placement. Into 1960, Hendricks' output on shifted toward lighter, more experimental sounds. "City of Angels" / "If I Just Had Your Love" blended smooth balladry with urban longing, while "Busy Flirtin'" / "I Want That" adopted a playful, flirtatious tone in its framework. The standout release that year was the novelty single "Psycho" backed with "Too Good to Be True," which peaked at No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100. Co-written by and featuring disc jockey Dr. Jive (Tommy Smalls) as the voice of a psychiatrist in a humorous with Hendricks' patient character, "Psycho" capitalized on the cultural buzz around Alfred Hitchcock's film of the same name, marking a departure into comedic, spoken-word-infused pop. By 1962, Hendricks ventured into collaborations and side projects amid waning solo chart success. He duetted with Jimmy Velvit on "That's All I Got From You" / "I Got a Feeling" for Alta Records, a soulful R&B pairing that emphasized harmonious vocals but failed to break into the charts. That same year, under the group pseudonym The Sprites, he led "My Picture" / "You Drive Buddy" on Records, a doo-wop-inflected effort that highlighted his leads in a group setting. These endeavors reflected a broader stylistic pivot toward novelty elements and pop crossovers, though by 1963, Hendricks' singles saw diminishing commercial impact, with no further entries on the Hot 100.

Later career

Reunion with The Original Drifters

Following a lull in his solo career, Bobby Hendricks joined ’s Original Drifters in 1961 amid ongoing legal disputes over the name, with Pinkney securing rights through to perform as the Original Drifters. This reunion allowed Hendricks to reconnect with the group's foundational style, having previously collaborated informally with Pinkney since 1959. Hendricks assumed prominent lead vocal roles in live performances, balancing an off-and-on commitment that saw him integrate more permanently by 1964, depart briefly in 1967, and return for extended periods thereafter. His involvement persisted intermittently through the decades, culminating in 2008 as part of the group's enduring lineup under Pinkney's direction. Key events during this tenure included European tours in 1967, where the ensemble emphasized the harmonious sound of the original 1950s Drifters hits like "Money Honey" and "." These outings, along with worldwide travels, helped sustain the group's vitality by delivering authentic renditions tailored to appreciative audiences. Distinct from the official —rooted in the Five Crowns' transition to under manager —Pinkney's Original Drifters prioritized nostalgia circuits, focusing on the pre-1958 quintet's classic repertoire without venturing into later pop-soul evolutions. This approach positioned them as guardians of the early era, appealing to fans of the genre's raw, vocal-driven essence.

Performances and media appearances

In the 2000s, Bobby Hendricks frequently performed with Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters on specials dedicated to music, highlighting the group's from the and . He appeared in the 2001 production Doo Wop 51, where the lineup including Pinkney, Hendricks, and other alumni reunited to deliver performances of songs like "Drip Drop" and "There Goes My Baby," hosted by . This special captured a rare gathering of original members, emphasizing the enduring appeal of their harmony-driven sound. Hendricks also featured prominently in the My Music series on , notably the 2007 episode Doo Wop Love Songs, alongside fellow original Ben E. and Charlie Thomas. In this broadcast, the group performed inspirational tracks such as "Stand by Me" and "," drawing on their shared history to evoke for audiences. These television appearances marked significant media engagements, showcasing Hendricks' lead vocals in a format that reached millions through reruns. Following his reunion with the Original Drifters in the early 2000s, Hendricks embarked on extensive concert tours with the group, performing at venues across the and internationally until 2008. These tours included stops in and other global locations, where the ensemble delivered high-energy sets of R&B standards to enthusiastic crowds, solidifying their status as ambassadors of classic . Into the , Hendricks continued select live performances, such as a 2010 appearance at the Red Rose Ballroom during a doo-wop weekend in , and a 2016 show in featuring "Drip Drop." These events represented some of his final stage outings before stepping back from regular touring. Hendricks participated in several interviews and documentaries reflecting on his career, including a 2018 discussion with Vinyl City Broadcasting at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, where he recounted his time with and solo endeavors. Earlier, in 2017, he spoke with host Shiu-Hung Chan about the of the group and his lead role on key recordings. These media spots provided insights into his contributions to R&B, often aired on platforms preserving heritage.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Bobby Hendricks met his future wife, Ruth, in 1970 at in New York. The couple married in 1974, a union that lasted nearly 48 years until Hendricks' death in 2022. Together, Hendricks and Ruth had six children, including their Kena. The family expanded over time to include eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, primarily based in . In 1972, the couple relocated to Miami, Florida, ahead of their marriage, but soon moved to to raise their growing family. They eventually settled in , where Hendricks continued his musical pursuits with the support of his wife and children. Ruth played a key role in accommodating the demands of his touring schedule during reunions with , attending performances and events alongside him while managing family life in their home.

Health and death

In 2016, Bobby Hendricks was diagnosed with . The disease progressed over the following years, forcing his retirement from performing in 2018, reaching late stages by 2022, and leading to severe complications. Hendricks passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 84, at his home in , from complications related to Alzheimer's, surrounded by his immediate family after a six-year battle with the illness. Following his passing, private funeral arrangements were made, including a memorial service held on May 28, 2022.

Legacy

Influence on R&B

Bobby Hendricks' high lead vocals, reminiscent of Clyde McPhatter's style, played a key role in the late 1950s transition from group harmony to more individualistic R&B expressions within . His falsetto-infused delivery on tracks like "Drip Drop" helped sustain the group's emotive, gospel-tinged sound during a period of lineup changes, influencing the evolution of R&B toward smoother, lead-driven arrangements that emphasized personal storytelling over collective choral elements. Hendricks bridged the Drifters' ensemble harmony tradition to solo R&B innovation through his work on , a label that amplified the interconnected ecosystem of New York R&B labels. His 1958 hit "Itchy Twitchy Feeling," backed by and showcasing a playful yet soulful , marked Sue's breakthrough and exemplified how group vocal techniques could adapt to solo formats with rhythmic urgency. Later, his 1960 novelty track "Psycho," co-written by McPhatter and featuring spoken-word elements, further demonstrated this shift by incorporating dramatic narrative into R&B, blending humor and in a way that prefigured experimental vocal storytelling in the genre. In the revival era, Hendricks' longstanding tenure with Bill Pinkney's Original from 1961 onward, becoming a core member by , impacted younger R&B and enthusiasts by preserving authentic early styles amid the explosion. Leading performances and recordings like "The Masquerade Is Over," he bridged classic with emerging influences, mentoring group dynamics that inspired subsequent vocal ensembles to revisit and reinterpret 1950s R&B foundations. His contributions reinforced the Original ' role in sustaining genre heritage, fostering appreciation among emerging artists navigating the post- landscape.

Recognition and tributes

Bobby Hendricks' association with The Drifters placed him within the orbit of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as the group was inducted in 1988 for their pioneering contributions to R&B and rock 'n' roll. Although not individually inducted, Hendricks served as lead singer during the late 1950s era, contributing to hits like "Drip Drop," which helped define the group's innovative sound. In recognition of his enduring impact on early R&B, Hendricks received the EarlyRnB.com Lifetime Achievement Award on March 14, 2022, shortly before his passing. The honor acknowledged his tenure as lead vocalist with The Drifters and his solo career, marking his first major accolade since retiring in 2018 due to Alzheimer's disease. His wife, Ruth Hendricks, noted the award's significance, stating it brought him joy in his final days. Hendricks' career was highlighted in several doo-wop retrospectives, including PBS specials that celebrated the genre's golden age. He performed with Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters on the 2001 broadcast Doo Wop 51, reuniting original members for performances of classics like "Stand By Me." He also appeared in the 2007 PBS special My Music: Doo Wop Love Songs, joining and Charlie Thomas to evoke the romantic harmonies of the and . These televised tributes underscored his role in preserving doo-wop's legacy through live performances and archival footage. Following his death on March 25, 2022, from complications of , Hendricks was commemorated in obituaries and memorials that celebrated his vocal contributions to R&B. His work continues to be featured in doo-wop anthologies, ensuring his influence endures in curated collections of the genre.

Discography

Singles

Bobby Hendricks contributed lead vocals to ' single "Drip Drop," released in 1958 on (catalog 1187, B-side "I Know"), which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 58 on the Hot 100. Following his departure from the group, Hendricks launched a solo career with , where he achieved his greatest commercial success. His debut solo single, "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" (B-side "A Thousand Dreams," Sue 706, 1958), reached number 5 on the R&B chart and number 25 on the Hot 100, marking a novelty hit written by Jimmy Oliver. Subsequent releases on Sue included "Dreamy Eyes" (B-side "Molly Be Good," Sue 708, 1958), "Cast Your Vote" (B-side "It's Misery," Sue 710, 1959), "I'm a Big Boy Now" (B-side "Good Things Will Come," Sue 712, 1959), "Little John Green" (B-side "Sincerely Your Lover," Sue 717, 1959), "City of Angels" (B-side "If I Just Had Your Love," Sue 727, 1960), "Busy Flirtin'" (B-side "I Want That," Sue 729, 1960), and "Psycho" (B-side "Too Good to Be True," Sue 732, 1960), the latter peaking at number 73 on the Hot 100 as a novelty track co-written with . In 1961, Hendricks shifted to , releasing "Happy Hearts" (B-side "Pleasing You," Mercury 71788), "Good Lovin'" (B-side "Honey Drip," Mercury 71810), and "I'm Comin' Home" (B-side "Every Other Night," Mercury 71881). He then collaborated with Jimmy Velvit on "That's All I Got from You" (B-side "I Got a Feeling," Alta Records, 1962) and fronted The Sprites for "My Picture" (B-side "You Drive Buddy," Patience Records, 1962). Later singles included "Let's Get It Over" (B-side "Love in My Heart," Cub 9127/ 13179, 1963) and a 1968 release "She Used to Hold Me" (B-side "Go On Home Girl," Williams 001).
YearA-SideB-SideLabel (Catalog)Chart PositionsNotes
1958Drip DropI KnowAtlantic (1187)R&B: #4; Hot 100: #58Lead vocal with The Drifters
1958Itchy Twitchy FeelingA Thousand DreamsSue (706)R&B: #5; Hot 100: #25Solo debut; novelty hit
1958Dreamy EyesMolly Be GoodSue (708)--
1959Cast Your VoteIt's MiserySue (710)--
1959I'm a Big Boy NowGood Things Will ComeSue (712)--
1959Little John GreenSincerely Your LoverSue (717)--
1960City of AngelsIf I Just Had Your LoveSue (727)--
1960Busy Flirtin'I Want ThatSue (729)--
1960PsychoToo Good to Be TrueSue (732)Hot 100: #73Novelty track
1961Happy HeartsPleasing YouMercury (71788)-Label shift from Sue
1961Good Lovin'Honey DripMercury (71810)--
1961I'm Comin' HomeEvery Other NightMercury (71881)--
1962That's All I Got from YouI Got a FeelingAlta-Collaboration with Jimmy Velvit
1962My PictureYou Drive BuddyPatience-As lead with The Sprites
1963Let's Get It OverLove in My HeartCub (9127) / MGM (13179)-Reissued on MGM
1968She Used to Hold MeGo On Home GirlWilliams (001)-Later career release

Compilation albums

Bobby Hendricks' recordings from his time with the Drifters and his solo career on Sue Records have been featured in numerous retrospective compilation albums, primarily anthologies celebrating 1950s and 1960s R&B and rock 'n' roll. These collections often highlight his energetic doo-wop and novelty tracks, reissuing them alongside contemporaries to showcase the era's jukebox hits. Publishers like Ace Records, Rhino, and Bear Family have been instrumental in these efforts, with a surge in box sets and themed volumes post-2000 preserving his contributions. The following table lists key compilation albums featuring Hendricks' tracks, including release years, labels, and specific songs included:
Album TitleYearLabelTracks Featured
The Rock 'N' Roll Era - The '50s: 1989Time-Life Music"Itchy Twitchy Feeling"
Very Best of 1993Rhino Records"Drip Drop"
Best of 1994Collectables Records"Itchy Twitchy Feeling", "A Thousand Dreams"
The Sue Records Story1994 "Itchy Twitchy Feeling"
Itchy Twitchy Feeling1996Collectables RecordsVarious tracks from Sue era, including "Itchy Twitchy Feeling" and "Psycho"
The Golden Age of American Rock 'N' Roll Vol. 61997Ace Records "Psycho"
Les Années 60 - Le Musée De S.L.C. (Volume 2)1978"Itchy Twitchy Feeling"
The Golden Age of American Rock 'N' Roll: Special Novelty Edition2003Ace Records "Psycho"
Blowing The Fuse - 31 R&B Classics That Rocked The Jukebox In 19582006Bear Family Records"Itchy Twitchy Feeling"
These reissues, particularly the post-2000 volumes from and Bear Family, have helped introduce Hendricks' work to newer audiences through comprehensive R&B box sets and novelty-themed collections.

References

  1. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lancaster-ca/robert-hendricks-10660952
  2. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/3877
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bobby-hendricks-mn0000765365
  4. https://pophits.org/songs/bobby-hendricks-psycho
  5. https://www.uncamarvy.com/Swallows/swallows.html
  6. https://www.discogs.com/artist/487982-Bobby-Hendricks
  7. https://www.uncamarvy.com/Drifters/drifters.html
  8. https://fromthevaults-boppinbob.blogspot.com/2016/02/bobby-hendricks-born-23-february-1938.html
  9. https://www.bear-family.com/swallows-the/
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/6289346-The-Marquis-2-With-Alfonse-Brown-Tune-Toppers-Popcorn-Willie-I-Dont-Want-Your-Love
  11. https://www.bear-family.com/hendricks-bobby/
  12. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2720098-The-Flyers-4
  13. https://vocalgroup.org/inductees/the-drifters/
  14. https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/550604/documenting-d-c-s-doo-wop-histories/
  15. https://www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_news/the-drifters-and-the-coasters-still-make-sweet-music-after-several-lineups-and-a-half/article_45f931f0-98b3-5c28-89ee-cc82cb81f3bd.html
  16. https://www.vocalgroup.org/inductees/the-drifters/
  17. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/25952/all
  18. https://open.spotify.com/artist/1FqqOl9itIUpXr4jZPIVoT
  19. https://kimsloans.wordpress.com/the-drifters/
  20. https://www.bsnpubs.com/nyc/sue/suestory.html
  21. https://www.45cat.com/record/nc671605us
  22. https://www.classic45s.com/product_info.php?products_id=42107&cPath=21_30_63
  23. https://www.uncamarvy.com/OrigDrifters/origdrifters.html
  24. http://originaldrifters.com/legal.html
  25. http://originaldrifters.com/historical.html
  26. https://www.amazon.com/Doo-Wop-51-Jerry-Butler/dp/B00005N89E
  27. http://earlyrnb.com/stories-bobby-hendricks-receives-award/
  28. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-music-doo-wop-love-songs-165330346.html
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ6_xjrU2ME
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rzVmgix0e8
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJZ_JN_P6U
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeW4XjeKMGg
  33. https://rockhall.com/inductees/drifters/
  34. https://www.musicvf.com/Bobby+Hendricks.songs
  35. https://www.sirshambling.com/artists_2012/H/bobby_hendricks/index.php
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