Bobby Hutton began singing at the age of five, with his actual professional career beginning in Detroit, Michigan after winning a talent show at the 20 Grand night club.  This garnered an invitation to Motown, where he learned quite a bit about songwriting.  Bobby also performed on the very first nationwide Soul Train program in 1971.  Over the years, Bobby has continued to perform and was nominated as the 2007 Best Male Singer in the city of Chicago.

In honor of Black Music Month, SoulTrain.com recognize and salute Mr. Bobby Hutton.  Bobby gratefully acknowledged this by saying, “I am so excited to be chosen for Black Music Month.  My life has been spent in music and it’s an honor to be a part of history.  Without music, the world would be very different than what we live in today.  Music has been my passion, and walking on a stage has been a lifetime of learning, whether near or far, in the United States or in the UK Europe.  I have been blessed to work big and small lounges and clubs, casino’s, or that little club with just a few people.  It’s all about the music. That’s what it’s always been about for me.  To be able to make a living doing what I love, recording quality music.  I hope I’ve done that.”

With a new CD release, Bobby Hutton continues to draw crowds, doing what he loves best: singing!

SoulTrain.com:  When did you know that you had a talent in singing?

Bobby Hutton:  In the sixth grade.  I sang “Beautiful Dreamer” and the audience loved it.  I was hooked.

SoulTrain.com:  Who are some of the performers that influenced you?

Bobby Hutton:  Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Jesse Belvin, and Sarah Vaughan.

SoulTrain.com:  How did you become involved with Motown?

Bubby Hutton:  As I remember, winning a talent show at the 20 Grand and then being invited to Motown by William “Mickey” Stevenson.

SoulTrain.com:  Please describe the Motown that you remember.

Bobby Hutton:  I remember everyone meeting there, and waiting in the front before they were allowed to go into the studio area.  Janie Bradford set behind the desk in the front to meet and greet.  Marv Johnson was the very first person I met.  I remember Stevie Wonder’s audition.  I remember first meeting Marvin Gaye, the Spinners, and Funk Brothers members James Jamerson and Benny Benjamin.

SoulTrain.com:  What type of employer was Berry Gordy to you?

Bobby Hutton:  I didn’t look at Berry as an employer.  I looked up to Berry, and I saw him as my way to the top.  It was all about the music and learning your craft.  I loved every moment.  I was signed to Motown as Harold Hutton, my birth name.

SoulTrain.com:  Why did you leave Detroit and move to Chicago?

Bobby Hutton:  Work!  Pure and simple.

SoulTrain.com:  While in Chicago, you were hired by Chess Records and your name changed from Harold to Bobby.  What’s the story behind that?

Bobby Hutton:  In 1965, I was told that the duo of Fontella and Bobby McClure didn’t get along with each other, which opened a door for me.  They replaced him.  I was the new Bobby. 

SoulTrain.com:  What was the experience like, singing with Fontella Bass?

Bobby Hutton:  It was very exciting.  I had three days to learn nine songs and sing harmony with Fontella.  I hadn’t sung harmony before in my life.  I learned the songs and was off to New York City to sing at the Apollo Theater.  The line-up was Jackie Wilson as the headliner, with Redd Foxx, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Manhattans, Inez and Charlie Foxx, and Fontella and I.

SoulTrain.com:  Soon after this, you signed with Phillips Records and recorded a number of songs, including “You’re My Whole Reason,” which was written by Donny Hathaway.  How does it feel to have a song written for you by Donny Hathaway?

Bobby Hutton:  Ok, let me explain.  This was before he became the Donny Hathaway that we know of today.  I was sent a piano version with Donny singing.  It was great to hear his version. That impressed me so, that I wanted to sing this beautiful song.  Donny had a co-writer on this project, Glenn Watts, who wrote the lyric and melody.  We cannot forget him.  It was his vision, and Donny Hathaway penned this song.  Both names are on the publishing rights.

SoulTrain.com:  At this point in time, Soul Train was only on the air in Chicago, as a local TV show.  But, on August 17th, 1971, you got the unique opportunity to perform your song “You’re My Whole Reason” on the pilot show of Soul Train’s national debut.  How did that opportunity happen and describe how you felt that day?

Bobby Hutton:  In 1969 and 1970, I had four records in Chicago that were very popular on WVON, which were “Come See What’s Left Of Me”; “That’s How Heartaches Are Made,” and “More Today Than Yesterday;” and “I Can’t Stand A Woman Two Timing.”  The success of those songs kept me as a regular on the local version of Soul Train.

SoulTrain.com:  In addition to you performing, Honeycone, Eddie Kendricks, and Gladys Knight also performed on that pilot show.  In your wildest dreams, what would be a suitable way for Soul Train to recognize and celebrate those four acts’ participation in the pilot show?

Bobby Hutton:  They could fly all the remaining performers that are still alive, to a Soul Train awards show and tell the world the whole story, the truth.  A family member could represent the late Eddie Kendricks.  We all shared in the success of the pilot being picked up by CBS and we should all be on the stage accepting some sort of award of appreciation.

SoulTrain.com:  Soon after the taping of the pilot, you signed with ABC/Dunhill and recorded the Northern Soul anthem, “Lend A Hand.”  Please explain what Northern Soul is.

Bobby Hutton:  Northern Soul was a music and dance movement that showed me respect!

SoulTrain.com:  Do you have any new music and are you still performing?

Bobby Hutton:  Yes.  I have the Chicago steppin’ favorite “20 Years Later,” and I’ve recorded a new version of “You’re My Whole Reason.”  I still perform sometimes, if the money’s right.

SoulTrain.com:  What are your future plans in entertainment?

Bobby Hutton:  My plans are to continue writing songs.  I also want to record songs with my son, my daughter and myself.  I have an upcoming performance, June 17–19, 2016 at The Blackpool International Soul Festival.

SoulTrain.com:  Is there any final message that you would like to share with your fans and our readers?

Bobby Hutton: I want to give a special thanks to Mark Allen, for introducing me to you and reintroducing me to Soul Train. I will never stop. I love music!

You can follow Bobby Hutton on Facebook and purchase his music on cdbaby.

 —Pierre A. Evans  

Freelance Writer; Contributing Writer – Soultrain.com, Ndigo.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, UrbanMuseMag.com, and TheSOULetter.com; Singer/Songwriter; Actor; Model; Poet; DJ; TV Booking Agent – Chicago Talent Factory; TV Host – A Taste of Theater; Host – A Taste of Theater Festival; and Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions.  You can follow me on Facebook or on Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @ pierre_andre_evans.