Robert Dickey
September 2, 1939 – December 29, 2011
Robert Dickey was an R&B singer who is perhaps best remembered as the original “Bobby” of James & Bobby Purify, who scored a huge hit with “I’m Your Puppet” in 1966. Formed by Dickey’s cousin, James Purify, in 1965, the duo released several charting singles while recording for Bell Records – that list “Shake A Tail Feather,” “Let Love Come Between Us,” and of course, “I’m Your Puppet” which ultimately reached #6 on the Billboard pop charts. In 1971, Dickey left the group due to health issues and was replaced by a second “Bobby,” Ben Moore. Dickey retired from the music business in 1972 and spent many years working for the City of Tallahassee, Florida while singing and playing guitar in his church group. Robert Dickey was 72 when he passed away on December 29, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.