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Robert Popwell | |
---|---|
Birth name | Robert Lee Popwell |
Also known as | Pops |
Born | Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | December 29, 1950
Died | November 27, 2017 Lebanon, Tennessee, U.S. | (aged 66)
Genres | Jazz fusion, smooth jazz, crossover jazz, jazz |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument | Bass guitar |
Robert Lee "Pops" Popwell (December 29, 1950 – November 27, 2017) was an American jazz fusion, smooth jazz bass guitarist and percussionist.
Known as "Pops", he played with The Young Rascals ,[1][2] The Crusaders[3] and the Macon Rhythm Section.[4] The Young Rascals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame May 6, 1997.[5] They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.[6] He has played on albums by Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Ron Wood, Al Jarreau, Bobby Womack, Terry Bradds, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler, Gregg Allman, Bob Dylan, B. B. King, Les Dudek and Randy Crawford, among others.[7][8] Most notably he played percussion on Aretha Franklin's Rock Steady.
He has also toured with Bette Midler and Olivia Newton-John. Popwell appeared in the movie Hard to Hold with Rick Springfield.[9] Popwell wrote "Feelin Funky" on The Crusaders album Those Southern Knights.[10]
Popwell died in Lebanon, Tennessee, at the age of 66. He was survived by his wife and three children.[11][12]