|
We've received some quotes from Bobby's dear friend Gloria Bristow from Fenix Media.
Thanks, Gloria, and we all wish you and all the contributors a lot of strength in coping with this terrible loss.
BOBBY GRAHAM , RIP
(March 11,1940 – September 14, 2009)
from THE KINKS:
When The KINKS made what became their definitive recording of Ray Davies’ YOU REALLY GOT ME , executive producer Shel Talmy insisted that session drummer BOBBY GRAHAM be used.
RAY DAVIES recalls the session: “We did one take and I was grateful that they (Pye Records) were letting us do that but I still wasn’t completely happy. There was a lot of clock-watching and even Bobby Graham, who was one of the most supportive session men, glanced at his watch when I asked Shel if we could do another take. He reluctantly agreed. When Dave played the opening chords Bobby Graham forgot the complicated introduction he had planned and just thumped one beat on the snare drum with as much power as he could muster. For the next three minutes he was one of us.”
Then came Dave’s solo. It was sensational. There was a thunderous silence in the studio after the track ended. …. Then Bobby packed his drums. ….he had done his bit.
The record was released in the summer of 1964 and was a sensation. By August it was No 1 in the charts and launched The Kinks on a spectacular trajectory.
YOU REALLY GOT ME stayed on the charts for 12 weeks and overlapped with its successor, ALL DAY AND ALL OF THE NIGHT, on which Bobby also played, as he did for many more Kinks’ singles and album tracks.
DAVE DAVIES is similarly complimentary. “When The Kinks started recording with Bobby Graham I realized what great rock drumming was all about. He was one of a small band of English musicians who had the right attitude. Bobby would hit the drums so hard the engineers never had any trouble recording him. He was a great inspirational drummer.”
from SHEL TALMY
The KINKS producer
“I am on record as saying that Bobby Graham was the best UK session drummer ever. …His feel for the music was almost telepathic. You only had to ask him once and he did it. His timing was sensational”.
from PJ PROBY
Singer and Entertainer
"I'm very saddened to hear of Bobby's early call to come upstairs. He gave rhythm to the world of so many around the globe, laying down the beat behind so many great recording artists. Whenever you listen to your favourite records, nine times out of ten it will be Bobby himself in the driver's seat. He was the best. Save a place for me in the band. I've made the short list. Goodnite ole friend"
James Marcus Smith, aka P.J. Proby
from LES REED, OBE
Composer, Arranger, MD
"Without doubt, Bobby Graham was one of the greatest session drummers ever to have graced the floors of the most legendary studios of all time, and was one of the most respected musicians throughout his 45 year career in the recording session world. As drummer for the Les Reed Orchestra, he appeared on many hit recordings for such artists as Tom Jones, Engelbert, P.J.Proby,The Fortunes,Gene Pitney and Connie Francis amongst many others.
A wonderfully sensitive and humorous man, Bobby will be sadly missed by all of the musical fraternity, and especially by me."
Les Reed OBE. 14th September 2009.
from KEITH SKUES, MBE
Broadcaster and Author
“I continue to marvel at Bobby Graham’s awesome talent. We’ve known each other for over 40 years. He played on more than fifteen thousand records and I continue to play many of those tracks on air every week by artists including Pet Clark, Tom Jones, the Les Reed Orchestra, The Kinks, PJ Proby and many, many more, plus his first ever record with John Leyton, ‘Johnny Remember Me’.
Bobby Graham was classed as a ‘drummer’s drummer’ and rightfully earned legendary status helping to propel many of the UK’s top artists to dizzy heights.”
from VIC FLICK
Guitarist and fellow session musician
Bobby Graham was a great drummer and a good person. He took the opportunity that Barclay Records gave him to further artists and musicians' careers. He was always a pleasure to work with and was noted for his good 'time.' Many artists rose to the top of their profession with Bobby backing them on their recordings. His playing gave an urgency and an excitement to every recording, broadcast and concert he was involved with. The music industry has every reason to mourn the passing of Bobby Graham.
Vic Flick
|
