Robert Hicks made his first recordings in 1927. Dan Hornsby organised the first recording session for the extroverted bluesman of 24. At the time of his first recording session, Hicks was working as a chef at a place called Tidwell's Barbecue. In fact, he was nicknamed Barbecue Bob whilst working here. He learnt to play guitar both with elder brother Charlie and his good friend Curley Weaver.