Bobby Willis

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Robert "Bobby" Willis (January 25, 1942 - October 23, 1999) was a British songwriter, who eventually became the husband and manager of British singer and television personality Cilla Black.

His first known recorded composition, Shy of Love was featured on the B-side of Love of the Loved, the debut release of Cilla Black in September 1963. During the sixties he was to write many songs for his then girlfriend to record and perform. One of his prettiest - Is It Love? - was featured in the beat film Ferry Cross The Mersey in 1965. He often collaborated with Kenny Lynch and Beatles producer George Martin.

After the death of Brian Epstein - Black's manager and svengali - Willis undertook management duties and eventually began to represent her for over thirty years.

Bobby Willis married Cilla Black early in 1969 at Marylebone Registry Office.

He died of cancer in 1999 aged 57. They had three sons together; Robert, who is now her manager (born in 1970), Ben (born in 1973), and Jack (born in 1980).