An Afternoon With Bobby Womack
September 1, 2000
Part I
On Friday, September 1, 2000, following a series of unexpected events, I found myself ringing the doorbell of Bobby Womack’s Sherman Oaks, CA apartment. I have been such a fan of Bobby’s for many years and it was all I could do to contain my excitement. My purpose, was to interview Bobby for my website. First of all I’d like to say that I was really impressed that Bobby would even give me his time to begin with. I think that in itself says a lot about the man and his character.
I am not a journalist, nor did I claim to be. I hadn’t the slightest idea how to conduct an interview. Of course, now that it’s over, I can think of a million things I would have liked to have asked him. I have to wonder what he must have thought of me as I sat there stiff as a board willing myself to relax. In light of the above, I will relate the story of my afternoon meeting with Bobby through the perspective of the adoring fan that I am.
Bobby had just returned from a long walk when I got there. He opened the door, and invited me to have a seat. As he busied himself in the kitchen area momentarily, I gazed in awe at the beautiful framed photographs that lined the walls. Many were of Bobby either alone or with friends. I remember seeing him with Ron Wood, with Rod Stewart, with Michael Jackson, with one he told me was his ex wife, and several others. I also recall one of Eddie Kendricks in the hallway, and next to that was the one which sticks out most in my mind, which was the most beautiful photo of Sam Cooke I‘d ever seen. In the living room, above the marble fireplace mantel was a huge painting of Bobby.
I sat down on the couch, beautiful, buttery leather, and L-shaped. In front of me was a long narrow black lacquer coffee table topped neatly with books and their was a chess set which sat on the table directly in front of me. His apartment was beautifully decorated and neat. I was allowed to enter his bedroom later on to see another family photo, and that room looked much more lived in.
Bobby politely offered me something cold to drink. He told me that he was feeding pigeons on his balcony, and he opened the blinds to show me their eggs in the corner of the patio. As an animal and creature lover, I found his act of kindness to be truly endearing. During the time I was there, Bobby did most of the talking, which I was grateful for. I tried to take in as much as I could of what he was saying, but the fact that I was actually in the home of my favorite artist made it difficult for me to stay focused.
The next thing I remember was something very special that Bobby treated me to. It was the highlight of the visit for me, and something I certainly will never forget. Bobby brought out some tapes of new material he is recording and I got a sneak preview of several new songs not yet released. Let me tell you, there is some really special stuff coming, and I know I’ll be the first one in line for the new album. There was one song where Bobby wraps up his life story in about three minutes. He actually started singing along on this one, much to my delight.
Just when I thought I’d died and gone to heaven, Bobby let it be known, quite politely of course, that it was time to get down to business, and to the reason I was there. I suppose I must have sat there dumbstruck for a moment, until he said, “OK, so interview me”. I can only thank God that he maintained a sense of humor. I had no choice but to respond honestly and with a nervous laugh. I admitted that I had no idea what I was doing, and certainly had never conducted an interview before. Fortunately, I had had the presence of mind to pick up a tape recorder on my way over there. He tested it for me, and I just let it run as he told me of his plans for the future. You will find the information he gave me on the next page in Part II of my afternoon with Bobby.
Now, I will close Part I with my impression of this man I have worshiped for years. I found Bobby to be extremely down-to-earth and totally unpretentious. I do wish I could have gotten past the star quality he so obviously possesses. He’s very animated and funny and compassionate too. I can say nothing but good things about him or Sunday’s performance that he so kindly gave me backstage passes for before I left. I thanked him profusely for allowing me access to his home, and again I can say that this fact alone is all that needs to be said about the good nature and kind heart of Bobby Womack.
Update: Since writing this article, I am fortunate to have been back to Bobby's home on more than one occasion, and I'm happy to report that I have gotten over the initial shock of that first visit.
Continue to Part II (The Interview)
