One fact is absolutely clear: We should talk more about Bobbi Humphrey, known as the “First Lady of The Flute.” An absolute pioneer in so many aspects of modern music, Humphrey seldom gets the kudos she deserves for an incredible career of musical greatness. The Dallas, Texas native moved to New York City after college at the recommendationo of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie. And there she conquered the Big Apple with her versatile flute playing and broad sense of musical styles.
By the early 70s, Humphrey became one of the “go to” backing musicians for artists ranging from Duke Ellington to Herbie Mann, and even performed on Stevie Wonder’s iconic Songs In The Key of Life album. Meanwhile, she was signed to the legendary Blue Note jazz label, a major landmark for a female jazz artist at the time. Her first two albums for Blue Note received a warm reception, but it was her third, 1973’s Black and Blues – working with the famed production team of Larry and Fonce Mizell – that opened doors with its progressive blending of jazz and R&B.
Humphrey continued to release an album a year for the remainder of the decade, on both Blue Note and Epic Records. By the 80s, Humphrey’s sales began to slow down, and she moved into artist management, working with a number of notable performers including Tevin Campbell. She also started her own record label, Paradise Sounds Recordings.
Over the course of time, Humphrey’s 70s output has grown in stature, largely due to the appreciation of a new generation of artists in both the jazz and hip-hop communities, many members of which have sampled her work.
By Chris Rizik