Hebb made his stage debut on his third birthday, July 26, 1941, when tap dancer Hal Hebb introduced his little brother to show business at The Bijou Theater. This was an appearance on The Jerry Jackson Revue of 1942 even though it was 1941, "that was how Jerry, a big man in vaudeville in the '30s, '40s, and '50s, did things" noted the singer. Harold Hebb was nine years of age at the time and the young brothers worked quite a few nightclubs before Bobby Hebb entered first grade. Nashville establishments like The Hollywood Palm, Eva Thompson Jones Dance Studio, The Paradise Club, and the basement bar in Prentice Alley as well as the aforementioned Bijou Theater found Bobby and Hal dancing and singing tunes like "Lady B. Good," "Let's Do the Boogie Woogie," "Lay That Pistol Down Babe," and other titles that were popular at that time. Hebb's father, William Hebb, played trombone and guitar, his mother, Ovalla Hebb, played piano and guitar, while his grandfather was a chef/cook on the Dixie Flyer, an express train on the L&N -- Louisville & Nashville railroad. Brother Harold Hebb would eventually join Excello recording artists the Marigolds, documented in Jay Warner's biography of singer Johnny Bragg, the book -Just Walkin' in the Rain; while Bobby Hebb, with so much musical influence and inspiration, would go on to pen hundreds upon hundreds of tunes, among them, BMI's number 25 most played song on their website in 2000, the classic "Sunny."
Georgie Fame and Cher, charted with the title in England, but it was the Bobby Hebb original which reached the highest on charts in Europe and America. Covers by Frank Sinatra with Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Frankie Valli, Nancy Wilson, the Four Tops, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, and so many others, insured the song would reach audiences outside of those who heard and continue to hear it on Top 40 and "oldies" stations. But the song reached out beyond Top 40, climbing the country and R&B charts as well. Kal Rudman calls this a rare industry "hat trick" in the liner notes on the 1966 Phillips' album, but what no one could predict is how the song would find versions by Boney M. and Yambu bringing it to dance clubs, while jazz musicians explored the nuances of this amazing composition in their world. Hebb himself, in 2001, has performed the title with the Kubato Power Jazz Unit and Michael Shea Trio, the latter band featuring Thomas Hebb, Bobby's nephew, on bass. Noted author James Isaacs, whose liner note essays appear in some of the Sinatra boxed sets, provided a list of jazz musicians who have covered Hebb's signature tune: guitarist Pat Martino, singers Ernestine Anderson, Bill Henderson, Anita O'Day, organist Joey DeFrancesco, drummer Don Houge, pianists Joe Bonner and Hampton Hawes, trumpeter/flugelhornist Marvin Stamm, alto saxophonist Sonny Criss, and guitarist Stanley Jordan, among others.
Bobby Hebb's influence goes far beyond "Sunny." When he joined Roy Acuff's Smokey Mountain Boys around 1952 in Nashville, he was one of the first African American artists to perform on The Grand Ole Opry before Charley Pride. Hebb moved to Chicago in 1954: "I wanted to play some music, and I wanted to advance my career, I didn't find the jazz I was looking for, but I ran into a lot of blues...I worked with Bo Diddley, maybe on an early Ellis McDaniels album." The song was "Diddly Diddly Diddly Daddy" with the Moonglows and Little Walter, recorded at Leonard Chess' studio in the back of his record shop on Cottage Grove Ave, "Leonard was the engineer," Hebb noted while telling this part of his rich history.
Hebb joined the navy in 1955, playing the trumpet: "I learned West Coast jazz in the navy." The navy band was the USS Pine Island Pirates and they played "the whole time we were on board," including Hong Kong, performing for Madame Chiang Kai-shek (Sooong Mel-llng) at an event. The band got to meet Chiang Kai-shek as well.
Around 1958 Bobby Hebb tracked "Night Train to Memphis," a song written by Owen Bradley for Roy Acuff's Smokey Mountain Boys. The tune was re-released in 1998 on a Warner Bros. box set, From Where I Stand, which also included "A Satisfied Mind" from the 1966 Sunny album. After that Hebb worked with Dr. John and left Nashville for New York. Disc jockey John "R" Richbourg, owner of Rich Records, which had released "Night Train to Memphis," got Hebb a gig at Sylvia Robinson's Blue Morocco Club. "I went for two weeks and stayed two years. The first two weeks I opened up with a Bobby Blue Bland song "Farther on Up the Road." The band playing behind me was Jimmy Castor, later on Bernard Purdie had just come to New York from Baltimore with Jewel Page." Hebb eventually replaced Mickey in Sylvia Robinson's group Mickey & Sylvia, who originally hit with "Love Is Strange." The duo became Bobby & Sylvia after Mickey left for Paris.
After Bobby & Sylvia, Hebb was represented by Buster Newman, the man who "got "Sunny" happening in a lot of different ways." All the publishers they went to turned the song down! Newman's partner was Lloyd Greenfield, who managed Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, adding to his roster Bobby Hebb. While other groups in 1966 like Remains and the Ronnie Spector-less Ronettes opened for the Beatles, Bobby Hebb was headlining the tour with the Beatles, a fact that seems to have gotten lost in the overwhelming history of the Fab Four. After this, Hebb met comedian/composer Sandy Baron and the two got busy writing a Broadway show that never made it to Broadway. However, two of the songs -- "A Natural Man" and a tune they were writing about Marvin Gaye, "His Song Shall Be Sung" -- were picked up by Lou Rawls and released on MGM. "A Natural Man" the pair had actually rejected from their Broadway play. The original title of the song was "Natural Resource," but they doctored it up and gave it a different groove after Sandy Baron got Rawls interested in what became a huge hit for him. In 2001, the song will be the title track of a best-of Universal released on Lou Rawls. Sadly, Baron passed away in 2001, the year that saw the release of Roof Music's 16-track compilation of artists covering "Sunny," and interest in Europe for the song and the man who wrote and sang the definitive version. On July 28, 2001, two days after Hebb's 63rd birthday, this writer phoned Bernard Purdie at The House of Blues in Cambridge, MA, where Pretty Purdie was performing that night with Masters of Groove and for the first time in over three decades, Bobby Hebb and Bernard Purdie spoke on the phone and got to see each other at the show that evening. Bobby Hebb performed in June of 2001 at the opening of the Martini & Rossi 100 Years photo exhibit in Boston, shortly after graduating mini-med school.
We are currently looking for Bobby's performances with Poppa John Gordy on 78 rpm and his publishing demo "The Bostonian." Also, we are seeking his video to "You Want To Change Me" taped in the Gloucester area a few years back for a British company, and any other video footage and audio tapes of this great singer/writer/performer/musician.
SUNNY
Bobby Hebb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yesterday my life was filled with rain
Sunny
You smiled at me and really eased the pain
Now the dark days are done, and the bright days are here
My sunny one shines so sincere
Sunny one so true, I love you
Thank you for the sunshine bouquet
Sunny
Thank you for the love you brought my way
You gave to me your all and all
And now I feel ten feet tall
Sunny one so true, I love you
Sunny
Thank you for the truth you let me see
Sunny
Thank you for the facts from A to Z
My life was torn like wind-blown sand
And a rock was formed when you held my hand (oh, sunny)
Sunny one so true, I love you
Sunny
Thank you for the smile upon your face
Hmm, Sunny
Thank you, thank you for the gleam that flows with grace
You're my spark of nature's fire
You're my sweet complete desire
Sunny, one so true, yes, I love you
Sunny
Yesterday, all my life was filled with rain
Sunny
You smiled at me and really-really eased the pain
Now the dark days are done, and the bright days are here
My sunny one shines so sincere (Sunny)
Sunny, one so true, I love you
I love you (sunny)
I love you (sunny)
Signin' I love you (sunny)
Yes, I love you (sunny)
The song "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb is a tender love song expressing the immense gratitude and joy that the singer feels after meeting the love of his life. The beginning of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, with Hebb singing about how his life was once filled with rain and sadness. He then thanks his lover, called "Sunny", who had smiled at him and eased his pain, turning his life around for the better. Hebb then proceeds to thank Sunny for being the reason behind the sunshine in his life.
In the next verse, Hebb continues to thank Sunny for the love that she has brought into his life. He sings about how she has given him the strength to stand tall, mentioning how he feels ten feet tall now. Moving on, he thanks Sunny for showing him the truth and helping him gain a better understanding of everything. In the final verse, Hebb expresses his deep appreciation for Sunny's smile and the grace that flows from her, describing her as his "spark of nature's fire" and his "sweet complete desire". The song ends with Hebb reaffirming his love for Sunny, singing that he loves her.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunny
The singer is expressing gratitude for the presence of their loved one, Sunny.
Yesterday my life was filled with rain
Before Sunny entered their life, the singer was unhappy and endured difficult circumstances.
You smiled at me and really eased the pain
The singer is glad that Sunny is a source of happiness and relief.
Now the dark days are done, and the bright days are here
The artist is thankful that Sunny has helped them move past difficult times and embrace the good in their life.
My sunny one shines so sincere
Sunny is a constant source of genuine happiness and positivity for the artist.
Sunny one so true, I love you
The singer expresses their love and devotion for Sunny.
Thank you for the sunshine bouquet
The singer is grateful for the warmth and joy that Sunny brings into their life.
Thank you for the love you brought my way
The artist acknowledges that Sunny's affection has improved their life.
You gave to me your all and all
Sunny has given the artist their complete self and love.
And now I feel ten feet tall
Sunny's love makes the artist feel strong and capable.
Thank you for the truth you let me see
The singer is grateful that Sunny has shown them the reality of the situation.
Thank you for the facts from A to Z
The artist is thankful that Sunny has provided them with a complete understanding of the matter at hand.
My life was torn like wind-blown sand
Before Sunny's intervention, the singer's life was chaotic and disorganized.
And a rock was formed when you held my hand (oh, sunny)
Sunny's support has made the singer feel strong and grounded in their life.
Thank you for the smile upon your face
Sunny's happy demeanour is a source of joy for the singer.
Thank you, thank you for the gleam that flows with grace
Sunny's grace and elegance are a source of inspiration for the artist.
You're my spark of nature's fire
Sunny ignites the artist's passion for life and love.
You're my sweet complete desire
The singer desires only Sunny's presence and love in their life.
Yes, I love you (sunny)
The singer reiterates their love and devotion for Sunny.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby Hebb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@timdavis7173
Oh, don't even start.
Sunny - Boney M.
Sunny - Stanley Turrentine
Sunny - Tim Donnelly
Sunny - JAMES BROWN
Sunny - Paul Carrack
Sunny - Cher
Sunny - Robert Falcon
Sunny - Pat Martino
Sunny - George Benson
Sunny - Laura Fygi
Sunny - Peter White
Sunny - Frankie Valli
Sunny - Keifer
Sunny - j'san, Pandrezz
Sunny - potsu
Sunny - Stevie Wonder
Sunny - Marvin Gaye
@siemonjf
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain
Now the dark days are done and the bright days are here,
My sunny one shines so sincere
Sunny one so true, I love you
Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet
Sunny, thank you for the love you've brought my way
You gave to me your all and all
And now I feel ten feet tall
Sunny one so true, I love you
Sunny, thank you for the truth you've let me see
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z
My life was torn like a wind-blown sand
Then a rock was formed when we held hands
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for that smile upon your face
Sunny, thank you thank you for that gleam that flows with grace
You're my spark of nature's fire
You're my sweet complete desire
Sunny one so true, yes I love you.
Sunny, yesterday, oh, my life was filled with rain
Sunny, you smiled at me and really really eased the pain
Now the dark days are done and the bright days are here,
My sunny one shines so sincere
Sunny one so true, I love you
; 7 D
@dr.bunsenhoneydew4362
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
The dark days are gone, and the bright days are here,
My Sunny one shines so sincere.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way.
You gave to me your all and all.
Now I feel ten feet tall.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see.
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to C.
My life was torn like a wind-blown sand,
And the rock was formed when you held my hand.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face.
Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows its grace.
You're my spark of nature's fire,
You're my sweet complete desire.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain...
@bf4351
Who's here simply because this song is beautiful?
@sevintrix2962
Written by Bobby Hebb after his brother was stabbed to death. Bobby
wrote this song in tears and was inspired to "look at the bright side"
despite his obvious pain at losing his brother.
@selamawitfitta786
Sevintrix wow deep
@Comdesron17
Wo! Didn't know this ....
@kevinmarksteder
he took lsd
@kevinmarksteder
@@aquilesbailo1547 hab alles verstanden
@mkfloyd9131
The same day JFK was killed...
@matthewbennett8691
3 years ago I picked up my orange tabby kitten from the shelter. On our way home I asked this fluffy ball of sunshine, “what is your name?” And at that second this song came on the radio. Sunny was as smart as a dog and had the heart of an angel, befriending every animal and human he ever came into contact with. He ended up having some heart issues despite being energetic and full of life. Today he passed away to the other side and I buried his body on top of a mountain. Thank you God for all the time we had and I picture Bobby Hebb and Sunny together smiling on this summer day. Life is short, appreciate the time we have with our loved ones. Inshallah we will be together again in the garden of paradise. Peace be upon you.
@kevdarada
Thanks for sharing, lovely sto try y, I can relate ✌️
@julieweldon4343
Thank you for your comment! Smiles to you. You brought beautiful tears to my eyes for sharing the love you shared.