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Biography

Formed in Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1960, this duo comprised Bobby Day (b. Bobby Byrd, 1 July 1932, Fort Worth, Texas, USA) and Earl Lee Nelson. Day had previously formed the Hollywood Flames, a group best recalled for the rock 'n' roll hit "Buzz-Buzz-Buzz" (1957), which featured Nelson on lead vocal. Day then secured a solo hit with "Rockin' Robin" before briefly joining Nelson in the original Bob And Earl. Bob Relf replaced Day when the latter resumed his own career. The Barry White-produced "Harlem Shuffle", the pairing's best-known song, was originally released in 1963. A minor hit in the USA, the single proved more durable in Britain. Although it failed to chart when first released, a reissue reached number 7 in 1969. Bob And Earl had meanwhile continued to record excellent singles, although the prophetically titled "Baby It's Over" (1966) was their only further hit. Nelson recorded under the name of Jay Dee for Warner Brothers Records in 1973, and also as Jackie Lee, charting in the USA with "The Duck" (1965), "African Boo-Ga-Loo" (1968) and "The Chicken" (1970). Relf wrote Love Unlimited's 1974 hit "Walking In The Rain" and was latterly replaced by Bobby Garrett. The new duo continued to record together, and individually, during the 70s.

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Discography

albums.

  • Harlem Shuffle - 1966 (Tip/Sue)
  • Bob And Earl - 1969 (Crestview/B&C)
  • Together - 1969 (Joy)

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