Bobby Edwards

Bobby Edwards (born Robert Edward Moncrief or Robert Edward Burgan, January 18, 1926, Anniston, Alabama) was an American country singer.

Edwards's early life is a mystery; conflicting stories exist over his birth name and upbringing. [http://wc06.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:azfpxq9kldke~T1 Biography] , Allmusic.com] What is certain is that Bobby Edwards was a stage name. He first became well-known with a 1959 Bluebonnett Records cover of "Jealous Heart", written by Jenny Lou Carson and had been a 1945 hit for Tex Ritter.

Not long after this release, Edwards joined a group known as The Four Young Men. The Four Young Men were initially a trio known as Darrell, Gib & Ernie (after members Darrell Cotton, Gil Guilbeau, and Ernie Williams); they released the singles "I Goof" and "Just or Unjust", which were local hits. After adding Wayne Moore, they became The Four Young Men, which Edwards then joined to become Bobby Edwards & the Four Young Men.

Their first record together was the Crest Records single "You're the Reason". The song became a nationwide U.S. hit, peaking at #4 Country and #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. [ [http://wc06.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:azfpxq9kldke~T5 Billboard Singles] , Allmusic.com] The tune was covered by Joe South and Hank Locklin in the wake of its success. Edwards then transferred to Columbia Records and released the sound-alike "What's the Reason", which peaked at #71 the following year. His third single was "Don't Pretend", which didn't chart, and neither did any of his further single releases. By the end of the 1960s, Edwards had retired from music and returned to Anniston to raise a family.

The Four Young Men released further singles for Crest, including "You Been Torturing Me", "Just for Tonight", and "Don't Be Bashful Little Girl" (as The Young Men Four). Eddie Cochran played guitar on some of these recordings. They would later change their name to The Castaways, and became a popular act on the Las Vegas casino circuit.

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