Bobby Hutton -

Bobby Hutton (born Harold Hutton) is an American soul singer from Detroit who released six singles between 1965 and 1971, culminating with the 1973 ABC release Piece of the Action.

Background

Hutton began singing at age five and entered professional work after winning a talent contest at the 20 Grand nightclub in Detroit. Motown executive Mickey Stevenson invited Hutton to the label, where Raynoma Gordy collaborated with the singer on several songs, though no recording followed.

Chess producer Billy Davis later recruited Hutton to replace Bobby McClure as duet partner for Fontella Bass and changed the stage name from Harold to Bobby. The first engagement with Bass took place at Apollo Theater in New York. Checker issued the debut single “It’s a Good Thing” (b/w “Lucky Boy”) under the Harold Hutton name in November 1965.

Hutton returned in July 1968 with a Blue Rock remake of “That’s How Heartaches Are Made,” first recorded by Baby Washington, backed with “Ooo Baby.” Philips issued the April 1969 single “Come See What’s Left of Me” with “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” previously recorded by the Casinos. The January 1970 follow-up paired “I Can’t Stand a Woman Two Timing a Man” with “I’ve Got a Memory.”

Gene Chandler produced a January 1971 version of “More Today Than Yesterday,” first recorded by Spiral Starecase, backed with “Lonely in Love.” Donny Hathaway wrote “You’re My Whole Reason,” which Philips released with the same B-side in July. Hutton performed the song on the first nationally syndicated Soul Train broadcast that October. Chicago broadcaster E. Rodney Jones subsequently managed Hutton and brought the singer to ABC for an album.

Piece of the Action

Bobby Hutton released the singular album Piece of the Action in June 1973 on ABC.

Four Dee Ervin titles and two Larry Wade–Terry Callier songs account for six selections. Session personnel include guitarist David T. Walker and keyboardist Sonny Burke. Drummer Paul Humphrey and percussionist Bobbye Hall also appear, while Lovelites singer Patti Hamilton joins nine other backing singers. The program includes “Lead Me On,” first recorded by Bobby Bland for Duke in 1960.

“Lend a Hand” surges over a crisp beat and lush strings as Hutton rises through buoyant ensemble backing. “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” glides through softly undulating phrases as Hutton eases tender declarations into enveloping accompaniment.

A1. “Lend a Hand” (3:40) – Greg Wright
A2. “It’s All Been Said Before” (2:30) – Dennis Lambert, Brian Potter
A3. “Then I Found You” (3:44) – Dee Ervin, Ruth Robinson
A4. “Until I See You Again” (3:13) – Larry Wade, Terry Callier
A5. “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” (3:45) – Wade, Callier

B1. “I Love the Way You Make Me Feel” (3:16) – Ervin
B2. “Lead Me On” (3:01) – Deadric Malone
B3. “There Ain’t No Man” (2:57) – Jimmy Lewis
B4. “Can’t Stop Talking” (2:32) – Ervin
B5. “A Part of Me” (3:51) – Ervin

ABC staff producer Dee Ervin, the singer-songwriter who recorded as Big Dee Irwin, produced eight tracks. Chicago producer Clarence Johnson handled “Until I See You Again” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” Jerry Long arranged the album. Greg Wright prepared rhythm charts, while Arthur Freeman scored strings and horns. Original sleeve credits name no recording studio, engineer, or session dates. Ervin also produced most of the self-titled GRC album by Ripple, while Johnson produced the contemporary Love Jones set by Brighter Side of Darkness.

ABC-Dunhill art director Ruby Mazur supervised the package. Alan Sekuler designed the sleeve, while Al Kramer supplied photography. Both men also worked on Eighteen Pounds of Unclean Chitlins and Other Greasy Blues Specialities, a contemporary ABC album by Mel Brown, under Mazur. The front cover photograph by Kramer places Hutton beside a black numeral one set in beach sand beneath open sky.

ABC issued no domestic single from the album. In May 1974, the label released the non-album follow-up “Loving You, Needing You, Loving You, Wanting You” (b/w “Watch Where You’re Going”). McKinley Jackson and Reginald Dozier produced both titles. British ABC placed “Lend a Hand” on the reverse of the Willie Hutch recording “Love Runs Out” in March 1978.

Expansion remastered Piece of the Action from original master tapes for CD and 180-gram vinyl editions in 2024. The CD adds eleven recordings from 1969–74, while a companion seven-inch pairs “Lend a Hand” with “Come See What’s Left of Me.”