MUSICIAN DESIGNER AND WRITER

Bob Solly (1944-2020).
A musician, designer and writer, Bob was a founding member of The Manish Boys from Maidstone.

Formed in the mid-1960s, The Manish Boys were part of the burgeoning London rhythm and blues scene. The band gained attention for their raw sound and energetic performances, drawing inspiration from American blues artists. As a founding member, Solly played a key role in shaping the group’s musical identity, contributing both as a performer and creative collaborator. His involvement helped establish the foundation upon which the band built its reputation.

The Manish Boys are perhaps best remembered for recording the single “I Pity the Fool” in 1965, which featured a young David Bowie—then still performing under his birth name, Davy Jones—on vocals. This collaboration represents one of Bowie’s earliest professional recordings, making the band an important footnote in the history of one of Britain’s most influential artists. Solly’s presence in this lineup places him at a significant intersection in the evolution of British popular music.

After the group split up, Bob and partner Paul Rodriguez concentrated on songwriting, working with producer Shel Talmy. Following a move away from the music business, Bob became a successful designer and architect. However, he retained his passion for music and built up a large record collection. His knowledge of post-war popular music was extensive, and he became a broadcaster and writer for magazines such as Record Collector.