Robert Nunn

Bobby Nunn made his initial funk recordings at home in the mid-70s, forming his own label to handle their distribution. The results impressed new Motown Records signing Rick James, who invited Nunn to play on his 1978 debut Come Get It! Nunn subsequently moved to Los Angeles, where he formed the dance band Splendor, who recorded one album for CBS Records. When this venture failed, Rick James arranged for him to sign with Motown in 1981. The label encouraged comparisons between the two singers, which were fulfilled by the suggestive lyrics and rhythmic funk of Nunn's debut singles, "She's Just A Groupie" and "Got To Get Up On It". A collaboration with Tata Vega on "Hangin' Out At The Mall" was a dance hit in 1983, but this success was short-lived; Motown refused to issue the projected Fresh, and Nunn was later dropped from the label. (NB: Not to be confused with the singer with the 50s and 60s vocal groups the Robins and the Coasters.)