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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBack-Up DocumentR2i4,t gee a/ct g4044, March 6, 1947 - October 27, 2013 Bobby Stringer the eldest of nine siblings was born to Perry Ward and the late Lizzie Pearl Bembray in Miami (Coconut Grove) Florida. He accepted Christ at an early age joining Saint Mary's Church in Coconut Grove than Zion Baptist Church under Rev. Freeman in 2000 and transferred membership in 2013 to Greater St. Paul A.M.E Church under Rev. Pastor Clayton L. Hodge, Sr. in Miami (Coconut Grove) Florida. Stringer at age nine first became well known in school with the talent shows at George Washington Carver Elementary School and in the choir of Saint Mary Baptist Church in his hometown of Coconut Grove, Florida. Never having a voice lesson, Bobby developed an ear for music with a solid background as a vocalist in the music arena. Stringer became no stranger to the entertainment field epitomizing stand-up (get -down) and soul performances with his unique vocal talents. Stringer as a solo artist performer began his professional career in the late 60's under the wings of a guitar player and good friend name Pete Cephus. He obtained the title of "Preacher Man" by his fans because of his magnetic power explosive voice throughout his audiences and charisma that aroused plenty of emotional reactions from men, women and children. Bobby is easily described as a simmering performer with styling and embellishments of his own, acquiring other titles such as the "Soul Man" the "Legendary" and "Soul Preacher." Bobby a strapping six-footer in the 1970's recorded his first hit single entitled "Before You" B/W "Too Many Miles" with Swar Records and in the 80's re -recorded "Funky Broadway" B/W "Put Your Mind At Ease" on Fun City Records out of New York City. This brought sellout crowds at the Copa Cabana, Baby Grand, Harlem World (the world's largest disco club) and other clubs in New York City and across the United States. Now with this fame, Stringer was even more recognized with multiple newspapers, television and magazine interviews from the Miami Times, Miami Herald, New York News, the Billboard Magazine and many others. In the 80's, Stringer also formed the group "The International Platters" featuring himself with four gentlemen and one lady. This group performed all the Great Platters hits from the 50's, 60's and 70's with a repertoire of more than 500 songs. This brought attention across countries such as Spain, Mexico and the Bahamas. Taking a new step to stardom in the 90's, Bobby recorded an album entitled "Reggae Love Songs" consisting of Caribbean Island love ballads on Pioneer International Records label. However unknowingly to Stringer, he also recorded his first rap single hit song before rapping was introduced entitled "The Sarge" debuting on billboards across the county. Stringer returned to the recording studio in the 2000's releasing a CD entitled "My Sweet Thing" featuring "You Turn My World Around", "Living for the Weekend" and "The Turning Point" by Tyrone Davis on Roy C. Hammond label and his 2009 latest release CD "I'm Not To Blame." As of 2013, Bobby still has several smash hit recordings on the shelf available for release. On August 31, 2013 Bobby did his last and final performances. A concert at Greater St. Paul A.M.E. Church featuring: The Ladies of Soul and Mel Dancy with his band "The Special Touch Band" produced by Mrs. Renita C.R. Samuels —Dixon entitled "A Labor Of Love." Also later that night, Bobby and his band played at the Van Dyke Cafe on Miami Beach for the owner Randy Singer. On October 27, 2013 Stringer (the legend) as a patient at University of Miami Hospital in Miami, was called home to sing in the heavenly choir. He leaves behind his oldest daughter Donna Stringer who is following in his footsteps and a repertoire of music, ample enough to fulfill the taste of any discriminating audience to last a lifetime for enjoyment and pleasure. The legendary Bobby Stringer traveled the world leaving rave reviews from his stellar voice and showmanship performances a gift blessing from birth for what he loved most. He will always be remembered and missed by family, friends and fans as he rest in peace singing up a storm in heaven because he never stopped singing and he is loved by so many. Written by Barbara Ann Mills (Stringer)