Philadelphia International Records Artists Codexery

Bobby Starr

American R&B and soul singer for The Intruders.

Last updated

Bobby Starr (January 19, 1937 – March 17, 2022) was an American R&B and soul singer who stepped in as lead singer for the Intruders in 1970, reigniting their run of hit singles. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he first made his mark with his own group, Bobby Starr and the Versatilles, before joining the Philadelphia vocal group and taking over for Samuel Brown. Starr's voice drove album tracks like the cover of Dusty Springfield's "A Brand New Me" and the album version of "When We Get Married." He made his national TV debut with the Intruders on Soul Train in 1971, and after the group disbanded in the 1980s, he returned as lead singer when they reformed under Glenn Montgomery. The group continues to tour, and Starr appeared on the PBS special "Superstars of 70's Soul Live."

Quick Facts

Born
January 19, 1937
Died
March 17, 2022
Birthplace
Baltimore, Maryland
Occupation
Singer
Genre
R&B, soul
Associated act
The Intruders

Facts from the source article.

Biography

Bobby Starr grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and as a teen he toured with several vocal groups before forming his own five-member group, Bobby Starr and the Versatilles. They released the single "Fanny, Fanny" in 1968. While on tour, Starr met the Philadelphia recording group the Intruders. Because his voice sounded similar to their lead singer Samuel Brown, the Intruders recruited Starr to replace Brown when Brown decided to step back and spend time with his family.

Starr joined the group in 1970, and their string of hit singles picked back up, including tracks from the "When We Get Married" album. His lead vocals include a cover of Dusty Springfield's "A Brand New Me" and the album version of "When We Get Married." His first single release with the Intruders on the Gamble label came in 1971: "I'm Girl Scoutin." Starr made his national television debut with the Intruders on November 13, 1971, performing "Cowboys to Girls" and "I Bet He Don't Love You" on Soul Train.

The Intruders disbanded in the 1980s and later reformed under the direction of Glenn Montgomery, with Starr returning as lead singer; the group continues to tour today. He is featured on the "Love Train: Sound of Philadelphia" concert series. Starr supported education and public television through charitable work, and his later appearances include the PBS special "Superstars of 70's Soul Live." Starr died on March 17, 2022, at age 85.

More in Philadelphia International Records Artists

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Test yourself

Three questions drawn from this entry’s sources. Pick an answer to check it.

1. In what year did Bobby Starr die?

Correct.

Not quite. The answer is 2022.

From the source: “Starr died on March 17, 2022, at the age of 85.”

2. In which place was Bobby Starr born?

Correct.

Not quite. The answer is Baltimore, Maryland.

From the source: “Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Bobby Starr toured with a variety of vocal groups as a teen before forming Bobby Starr and the Versatilles.”

3. In what year was Bobby Starr born?

Correct.

Not quite. The answer is 1937.

From the source: “Bobby Starr (January 19, 1937 – March 17, 2022) was an American R&B and soul singer; who was lead singer for the R&B group, The Intruders. Biography Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Bobby Starr toured with a variety of vocal groups a”

Answers checked against the source article

Sources

Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.

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