Bobby Hendricks was a talented R&B singer and performer whose voice helped shape the sounds of both vocal groups and solo hits during the golden age of doo-wop and early soul. Born on February 22, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, Hendricks left his mark as a member of several influential vocal groups—including The Swallows, The Flyers, and The Drifters—before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
Though his solo career was brief, it produced two memorable tracks that remain part of 1950s and early 1960s R&B history. Hendricks’ voice, stage presence, and lasting involvement with the Drifters would carry him through a career that lasted into the 21st century.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in Ohio, Hendricks showed an early interest in singing. Like many artists of his era, he started performing in vocal groups where harmony and rhythm were at the heart of the sound. One of his early group affiliations was with The Swallows, a Baltimore-based R&B group that had some regional success in the 1950s.
Hendricks also became part of The Flyers, a short-lived vocal group with ties to King Records. These early experiences gave him a solid background in harmony singing and exposed him to the evolving rhythm and blues scene that was sweeping the country.
Joining The Drifters
In 1957, Hendricks joined The Drifters, one of the most iconic R&B groups of the time. Though his stint with the group was brief, he took over as lead vocalist during a transitional phase when the group was searching for stability. This period gave him national exposure and introduced his voice to a wider audience.
Not long after, Hendricks made the bold decision to strike out on his own.
Going Solo: “Itchy Twitchy Feeling”
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In 1958, Bobby Hendricks released his debut solo single, “Itchy Twitchy Feeling.” The song, a playful and catchy tune about uncontrollable romantic excitement, hit the right note with listeners. It reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and soared to #5 on the R&B chart, making it Hendricks’ most successful solo release.
The song stood out for its light-hearted delivery and danceable beat—perfect for the emerging teen pop market of the late 1950s. It became a minor classic, later covered by none other than The Drifters, the group Hendricks had only recently left.
The Follow-Up: “Psycho”
Hendricks released a second solo single, “Psycho,” in 1960. This novelty track took a very different tone. It was a humorous dialogue between a psychiatrist and a mentally unstable patient, delivered in a back-and-forth format.
While “Psycho” didn’t match the success of his first single, it still managed to crack the charts, peaking at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100. The voice of the psychiatrist was played by Dr. Jive (Tommy Smalls), a popular New York City disc jockey who added a layer of authenticity and entertainment value.
Though “Psycho” was Hendricks’ final charting single, it showed his willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries—even if the mainstream market didn’t fully embrace it.
Return to The Drifters
After his solo career cooled off, Hendricks returned to familiar ground. In 1964, he rejoined a version of The Drifters—this time as part of Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters. The group operated separately from the more commercial Drifters lineup led by George Treadwell, but it remained a beloved act on the live performance circuit.
Hendricks took on the role of lead singer, a position he held for decades. While the group didn’t chart any major hits during this era, they toured extensively across the U.S., especially at oldies shows and nostalgia festivals, where audiences came to relive the classic sounds of the 1950s and early 1960s.
Performing Into the 21st Century
Bobby Hendricks continued to perform with The Original Drifters well into the 2000s. His voice, stage experience, and name recognition made him a consistent draw for longtime fans of classic R&B.
He wasn’t just a singer from a golden era—he actively kept the music alive, introducing it to new audiences while reconnecting with older fans. His dedication to performing was a key part of his identity, even if he never returned to the national charts.
Passing and Legacy
On March 25, 2022, Bobby Hendricks passed away. He was 84 years old.
Though he had only two nationally charting solo singles, his contributions to rhythm and blues run deeper than the charts suggest. He played a part in the rise of one of the most important vocal groups in R&B history, delivered a memorable solo hit in “Itchy Twitchy Feeling,” and spent decades performing with The Original Drifters.
For fans of doo-wop, early rock ‘n’ roll, and classic soul, Bobby Hendricks is remembered as a steady, soulful voice from a remarkable time in music.
Final Thoughts
Bobby Hendricks may not be a household name, but his voice helped define a moment in American music. Whether fronting a harmony group or standing alone at center stage, Hendricks brought heart and fun to every performance.
With “Itchy Twitchy Feeling,” he gave us a lively piece of R&B history, and through his lifelong commitment to performing, he helped preserve the magic of 1950s vocal music for generations to come.