Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bobby Byrd Obituary
News Obituary Article
LOGANVILLE: Bobby Byrd, James Brown collaborator, sang at funeral
By BO EMERSON
Bobby Byrd, collaborator with funk legend James Brown for 50 years, off and on, died Wednesday of cancer at his Loganville home. He was 73.
Mr. Byrd met Mr. Brown in Toccoa, where Mr. Brown was serving time in a juvenile facility for burglary. Mr. Brown pitched for the prison baseball team, and his team played against Mr. Byrd's team.
Mr. Byrd and his family helped arrange for Mr. Brown's early release in 1952. Mr. Brown and Mr. Byrd's gospel group morphed into James Brown and the Famous Flames.
Mr. Byrd's voice can be heard on "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine."
Mr. Byrd sang at Mr. Brown's 2006 funeral along with his wife, Vicki Anderson, who was also in Mr. Brown's touring band. On Wednesday, Mrs. Anderson said that of her husband's songs, "Baby, I Love You" was her favorite.
"That was the first song that he wrote for me," said Mrs. Anderson, 67.
Staff writer Kathy Brister contributed to this article.
> ON THE WEB: Go to ajc.com for a photo gallery.
© 2007 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bobby Byrd
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Bobby Byrd's name
Memorial Events
for Bobby Byrd
How to support Bobby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bobby Byrd's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
