The multi-instrumentalist was a founding member of the house band for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records, and wrote hits for Blue Magic, Major Harris and others.
Bobby Eli, 77, the guitarist, songwriter and arranger who was an unsung hero of the Sound of Philadelphia as founding member of Philadelphia International Records house band MFSB and coauthor of hits for Blue Magic, Major Harris and the Main Ingredient, has died.
Mr. Eli also had success as a composer, teaming with Vinnie Barrett to pen sophisticated soul hits such as Blue Magic’s “Sideshow” and Major Harris’ “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.”Mr. Eli recorded with a wide range of artists, including David Bowie, Hall & Oates, Elton John, Engelbert Humperdinck and Jay-Z. His expertise in guitar effects led producer Thom Bell to dub him “Electronic Eli.”
Bobby Eli was born Eli Tatarsky and grew up in North and Southwest Philly. He played accordion before switching to guitar, honing his skills on a Fender Stratocaster he got for his bar mitzvah in 1959. He graduated from Dobbins High School and briefly attended Temple University before pursuing his music career.
Separately, Mr. Eli had become friends with Leon Huff, a piano player from Camden he greatly admired. Huff recommended him to Gamble, Mr. Eli recalled, “as this bad white boy on guitar, you should hear him,” unaware that Mr. Eli and Gamble already knew each other.
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