Bobby Marchan was a flamboyant R&B singer known for his hit "There Is Something on Your Mind" and his work with Huey "Piano" Smith & the Clowns. Born Oscar James Gibson on April 30, 1930, in Youngstown, Ohio, Marchan was captivated by female impersonators as a child and began performing in drag during his teens. In 1953, he formed the Powder Box Revue, a drag troupe, and settled in New Orleans after a performance at the Dew Drop Inn. He worked as an MC at The Club Tijuana, where he was discovered by Eddie Meisner of Aladdin Records. Marchan released his debut single "Have Mercy" in 1954 but was soon dropped by the label. He then recorded for Dot Records and later Ace Records, where he achieved regional success with "Chickee Wah-Wah."

In 1957, Marchan became the original lead vocalist for Huey "Piano" Smith & the Clowns, contributing to hits like "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie-Woogie Flu." He left the group in 1959 to focus on his solo career, releasing "Snoopin' and Accusin'" with Fire Records. His 1960 rendition of "There Is Something on Your Mind" topped the R&B charts, marking his breakthrough as a solo artist. Despite subsequent releases, Marchan struggled to replicate this success on the national charts.

Marchan's career saw him move through various record labels, including Stax, Dial, and Cameo, with notable tracks like "Shake Your Tambourine" reaching the R&B Top 20. He continued performing and recording sporadically until his death on December 5, 1999, in Gretna, Louisiana. Marchan's legacy is marked by his vibrant performances and contributions to the R&B genre.