BOBBIE HUMPHREY

[MadameDivaChocolate]

Biography

She was born in Marlin, Texas, and raised in Dallas. Her flute training included classical and jazz styles in high school. She continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist, and inspired her to pursue a musical career in New York City. She followed his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theatre on Amateur Night. She eventually began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.

By 1972, she was recording for the Blue Note Jazz label, the first female instrumentalist to do so.[1] Humphrey has played with well-known musicians, ranging from Duke Ellington to Lee Morgan. Guitarist George Benson and Humphrey were guest musicians on Humphrey's friend Stevie Wonder's single "Another Star" from his Songs in the Key of Life (1976) album.[2] In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard.[3] In 1994 Humphrey launched her label, Paradise Sounds Records, releasing Passion Flute, which continues to be one of her best-selling recordings.

Bobbi Humphrey has played at the Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Russian River Jazz Festival (Northern California), and other venues around the world.

Bobbi has also been sampled by several hip-hop artists. Her Blacks and Blues was sampled by KMD in the song Plumskinz, Fat Joe in the song Another Wild Nigger from the Bronx, and Eric B. and Rakim's Keep the Beat.

Selective discography
Year Title Genre Label
2002 Satin Doll [Reissue] Jazz Blue Note
1999 Passion Flute [Reissue] Jazz Paradise Sounds
1998 Blue Break Beats Jazz Blue Note
1994 Passion Flute Jazz Paradise Sounds
1992 The Best of Bobbi Humphrey Jazz Blue Note
1990 Let's Get Started Jazz Warner Bros
1989 City Beat Jazz Malaco
1979 The Good Life Jazz Epic
1978 Freestyle Jazz Epic
1977 Tailor Made Jazz Epic
1975 Fancy Dancer Jazz Blue Note
1974 Satin Doll Jazz Blue Note
1973 Blacks and Blues Jazz Blue Note
1972 Dig This Jazz Blue Note
1971 Flute In Jazz Blue Note

[Edie Antoinette]

I like Bobbi..thanks for the info. Was wondering why you have two Satin doll videos though.

[MadameDivaChocolate]

Hope you all enjoy this one too! I came across this and remembered how I use to really love her music. I use to love to play the Satin Doll Album. But on Sidewinder she cut up on that flute!