Bobby Byrd was born in Toccoa, Georgia on August 15, 1934. He began his music career in church choirs. In high school he joined his family's gospel group, The Zioneers. He then went on to become leader of the gospel Starlighters. They appeared out of town as the Avons, with Bobby on piano, organ, and vocals.

Bobby and James Brown met in 1952 and became good friends. They started singing gospel with Bobby's sister Sarah. Bobby got James Brown into his group and soon they started doing Rhythm & Blues full time.

By late 1955, the group, now based in Macon, Georgia, was called The Flames. In 1956, The Flames signed to King Records' Federal label who released "Please, Please, Please." When the record came out it listed the artist as James Brown And The Famous Flames and so the name was born.

Bobby stayed with King Records as a writer. In 1964, Bobby Byrd and singer Anna King recorded "Baby, Baby, Baby"...