Bobby Womack, Across 110th Street | Throwback Vibez

In the 80^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Across 110th Street” by soul singer-songwriter Bobby Womack.

[nx_dropcap]C[/nx_dropcap]an you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to get you energized and in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All music genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 80^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Across 110th Street” performed by Bobby Womack.

[nx_pullquote]“Across 110th Street / Pimps trying to catch a woman that’s weak.”[/nx_pullquote]Cue up the eye emoji 👀. Bobby Womack (1944 – 2014) was the F’ing man, PERIOD.  However, the ultra-talented funk and soul musician deserved far more recognition than he received during his lifetime, in my opinion.  Sure, he scored some pop hits, but he didn’t POP off (in the most positive way possible) like others. “Across 110th Street” marks another banger for the Cleveland standout.  The song appears in the 1972 film, Across 110th Street. The title track from the soundtrack failed to reach the top 40, but reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was composed by Womack and another musical legend, trombonist extraordinaire J.J. Johnson (1924 – 2001). Johnson also produced it.

“Across 110th Street” is striking.  The orchestration and production are utterly sublime.  The band is locked in, with a big, fat but active bass line, rhythmic guitar, keys, and anchored by a funky drum groove.  The sounds, just within the rhythm section, hit big time. There is no shortage of awesome instrumental hits and riffs from articulated horns. Later, strings up the ante, further amplifying the timbre. Of course, Bobby Womack is the star of the show.  His falsetto during the busy intro (“Ooh(s)”), with all those fabulous instrumental parts, is commanding.  Once he gets into the song, beginning with the verses, his voice oozes with soul. Making “Across 110^th Street” even sweeter is the swagger he brings. “You don’t know what you’ll do until you’re put under pressure / ‘Cross 110th Street is a hell of a tester,” he concludes the first verse.  And how about the second? “Hey, brother, there’s a better way out / Snorting that coke, shooting that dope, man, you’re copping out.” Ooh-wee! As entertaining and real as the verses are, the section to beat is the chorus, which is melodious and memorable. 

“Across 110th Street

Pimps trying to catch a woman that’s weak

Across 110th Street

Pushers won’t let the junkie go free, oh, oh-oh, oh

Across 110th Street

A woman trying to catch a trick on the street, ooh baby

Across 110th Street

You can find it all in the street

Yes, you can, oh.”

Clearly, 110^th  Street is something else – a lot of sugar, honey, and iced tea goes down! All told, the late, great Bobby Womack dropped another funky, soulful bop with “Across 110th Street”. Ask yourself this: Did Mr. Womack ever drop a dud? Nope, and it’s not even close.  Perhaps it’s cliché, but they don’t make records like this anymore.