Robert Bateman played a key part in the early success of Motown Records having been a staff producer, a talent scout, and engineer with the label in the early '60s. He also co-wrote the million-selling "Please Mr. Postman," Motown's first number one pop smash. "...Postman" hit number one two times performed by two different acts. Bateman also co-wrote the classic ballad "If You Need Me" with Wilson Pickett and Sonny Sanders. Solomon Burke's version parked at number two R&B for five weeks and "Right Now and Not Later" was recorded by the Shangri-Las.
Bateman was the uncle of ...