Robert Wilson (born on February 27, 1980), better known by his stage name Bobby Valentino, is an American R&B singer (his nickname being "Valentino" because he was due to be born on Valentine's day)[1] bobbyvalentino.com. Accessed September 14, 2008 known for his tenor. He is known as Bobby V or Bobby V-Tino in the United Kingdom due to a lawsuit involving a British musician who had been recording continuously under the same name since 1975.SOHH Soulful: Bobby Valentino Saves New LP For "Special Occasion" Accessed December 3, 2007Matters Musical - Bobby Valentino Accessed December 3, 2007

Early music career

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Bobby moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended North Atlanta High School. He later returned to his old high school appearing on the debut episode of MTV's Once Upon A Prom, which aired on May 19, 2007. Bobby entered the music scene in 1996 as a member of the R&B youth quartet Mista at this time he was using his real name - Bobby Wilson. Under the production of Organized Noize (TLC’s "Waterfalls"), the group released their self-titled debut album, which produced the chart topping single, "Blackberry Molasses." Unfortunately, the album didn't follow in the same success and despite a second album being produced by Tim & Bob, it was never released. Due to management issues the group split in 1997. Bobby later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University majoring in Mass Communication's and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. While in school, Bobby continued to record in his free time in hopes of one day returning to the stage.Bobby Valentino, Def Jam Recordings, 2006, www.defjam.com/site/artist_bio.php?artist_id=580, accessed June 25, 2007 In the spring of 2002 he auditioned for season one of American Idol, but didn't make the cut because he was so useless.Mariel Concepcion (March 23, 2007). Valentino Goes Back To The Drawing Board For New CD Billboard. Accessed October 7, 2008.