Bobby Timmons, born Robert Henry Timmons on December 19, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a prominent American jazz pianist and composer known for his contributions to the soul jazz style. Timmons was raised in a musical family; both of his parents and several relatives played the piano. He began formal piano lessons at age six and served as an organist at his grandfather's church, which influenced his later jazz playing.

Timmons emerged from the Philadelphia jazz scene and moved to New York in 1954. He made his recording debut with trumpeter Kenny Dorham in 1956 and subsequently played with notable musicians such as Chet Baker, Sonny Stitt, and Maynard Ferguson. He became best known as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1958 to 1959 and again from 1960 to 1961, where he wrote the classic composition "Moanin'." Between these periods, he was part of Cannonball Adderley's band, contributing hits like "This Here" and "Dat Dere."

Despite his success, Timmons' career was marred by drug and alcohol addiction, leading to a decline in his later years. He continued to perform and record, leading his own piano trios in the 1960s. Timmons' playing style, characterized by gospel and funky blues influences, left a lasting impact on jazz, influencing artists such as Les McCann and Ramsey Lewis.

Bobby Timmons passed away at the age of 38 on March 1, 1974, in New York City due to cirrhosis. His contributions to jazz, particularly in the development of the soul jazz genre, remain significant, though some critics feel his work is undervalued.