Bobby Eli was a Philadelphia musician, producer, and songwriter known for his work with the studio band MFSB, as well as with artists like The Jacksons, David Bowie (1947–2016), Jay-Z, and Elton John.
- Died: August 17, 2023 (Who else died on August 17?)
- Details of death: Died of natural causes in Philadelphia at the age of 77.
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Bobby Eli’s legacy
Born Eli Tatarsky in Philadelphia, Eli was one of the founding members of Mother Father Sister Brother (MFSB), a collective of over 30 studio musicians at Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound Studios. In 1972, the group made waves when they recorded what became the theme song of “Soul Train,” and helped define the sound of disco in the 1970s.
Over the years, Eli contributed his talents as a songwriter, musician, producer, and arranger to a wide array of artists. He had songwriting credits on major R&B and disco hits like “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” by Major Harris (1947–2012), “Sideshow” by Blue Magic, and “This Time Baby” by Jackie Moore.
Eli’s work also guided or appeared on recordings by artists like the Jacksons, Bowie, Jay-Z, Hall & Oates, Patti LaBelle, Elton John, B.B. King (1925–2015), the Spinners, the Temptations, Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999), Shaggy, and many others. In 2016, he was inducted into the Musician Hall of Fame and Museum.
Tributes to Bobby Eli
Full obituary: Stereogum
