Who was Bobby Eli? Famous composer and Philadelphia MFSB lead guitarist dead at 77

From March 2, 1946, to August 17, 2023, Bobby Eli was an American musician, arranger, composer, and record producer. He was born in Philadelphia. He was the founding member and lead guitarist of the MFSB studio band in Philadelphia.

A multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and arranger, Eli’s contributions are heard on recordings from numerous creators, which includes Teddy Pendergrass, The Jacksons, Chris Brown, David Bowie, Jay-Z, Hall and Oates, Patti LaBelle, Elton John, Phyllis Hyman, B.B. King, Billy Paul, Wilson Pickett, George Clinton, The Spinners, The Temptations, The Stylistics, The Trammps, Curtis Mayfield, The Sapphires and Shaggy. Eli recorded a tribute to the families of the hostages from the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1980 with Len Stark of Melron Records.

Who was Bobby Eli? Famous composer and Philadelphia MFSB lead guitarist dead at 77

Bobby Eli, an American musician, arranger, composer, and record producer, was born Eli Tatarsky on March 2, 1946, in Philadelphia.

He was the lead guitarist and a founding member of the Philadelphia studio band MFSB. The cause of his death was unknown as of the time this report was submitted.