Bobby Floyd

“A child prodigy, Bobby’s delivery on piano, organ, and keyboards display a unique musical power that uplifts and inspires…”

Throughout his long career, Bobby Floyd has displayed his vast talent in his own small group/combos as well as with many of the great musicians of our time. 

He’s toured with Ray Charles both in America and around the world.  He’s performed as a featured pianist with the Count Basie Orchestra at venues throughout the country, including the Hollywood Bowl. He’s backed great vocalists, including Mavis Staples and Sarah Vaughn, and played accompaniment for musicians as varied as Branford Marsalis, Dr. John, and Glen Campbell. 

Bobby has also made guest appearances with some of the nation’s notable orchestras, including The Boston Pops, The Detroit Symphony, and the Rochester Philharmonic.

Floyd has taught at Ohio State University, his own private studio, and the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops at the University of Louisville.

He has also played with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra as pianist/organist. Percussionist for the CJO is Bob Breithaupt, Professor of Music at Capital University. The two, along with Bruce Burton, formed the Bobby Floyd Trio in ninth grade at Harding High School. 

When asked what makes Floyd special as a musician, Breithaupt says, "First, Bobby Floyd is one of the world’s great Hammond B-3 players, and a spectacular pianist - that’s a rare combination.  He also has the gift of being able to play very complex jazz harmonies and solos, but making them accessible to the listener." 

In an interview with a Rochester (NY) publication, Bobby talked about his goal in playing: 

"I try to make my music like a conversation . . . . "I try to play phrases that are all related so that it tells a story. . . . I'm all about feel. I want people to feel what I play. My number one goal is I want to have a good time and hopefully, people have a good time also.”

Among his many recordings are Floyd’s Finest Gift (2001) a collection of Christmas music and Setting the Standards (also 2001), in which he performs standards written by Jazz greats, including Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Joe Zawinul. 

His 2007 release, Notes to and From My Friends, features Floyd on organ, guitarist Derek DiCenzo, and drummer Reggie Jackson. A review notes: “On the basis of this CD alone, Bobby Floyd deserves to be ranked among today's finest jazz organists, hinting at his predecessors but playing hard bop with his own sound and approach."

- Story by Tom Photos