Bobby Robinson Tribute
Bobby Robinson, a legendary in the history of our music, passed
away January 7, 2010, at the age of 93. Bobby Robinson was born in
South Carolina but after World War II he settled in Harlem, NYC. In
1946, Bobby bought a store at 301 West 125th Street in Harlem and turned it
into a record store, Bobby's Record Shop, which later was renamed Bobby's
Happy House. Bobby Robinson's record store, right near the Apollo
Theater, was the first black owned store in the area. Bobby's record
store was there until just recently. It lasted over 60 years.
Bobby Robinson in front of his record
store.
(Photo taken by Bobby's friend, Richard Barrett. Courtesy of Julie
Barrett.)
Bobby Robinson in front of his record
store.
(Photo taken by Bobby's friend, Richard Barrett. Courtesy of Julie
Barrett.)
From his record store, Bobby Robinson discovered numerous
singers, many of whom he recorded for his own record labels - labels that
are well known to R&B group harmony enthusiasts, like Red Robin, Whirlin' Disc, Fire, Fury and
Enjoy. Bobby's biggest hits included "Kansas City" by Wilbert
Harrison. But the list of R&B vocal groups that Bobby Robinson
discovered, produced and/or recorded is lengthy.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
On his first label, Robin/Red Robin, Bobby
Robinson recorded the Mellowmoods, Vocaleers, Velvets, Scarlets, Topps,
Rainbows, DuDroppers, Serenaders and Sequins.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
On his Whirlin' Disc label, Bobby Robinson recorded the
Channels, Continentals, Quadrells, Empires, Pretenders and Whirlers.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
On his Fury label, Bobby Robinson recorded the Teenchords,
Kodoks, Carl Hogan & the Miracles, Little Bobby Rivera & the Hemlocks,
Federals, Du Mauriers, Velvets, Channels, Premiers, Jackie & the Starlites,
Scarlets, Gladys Knight & the Pips and many more.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
On his Fire label, Bobby Robinson recorded the Channels,
Tellers and others.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
On his Enjoy label, Bobby Robinson recorded the Channels,
Gladys Knight & the Pips and others.
Of course, we've only mentioned the vocal
groups that Bobby recorded and even them we've missed quite a few. For
over 60 years Bobby Robinson has been a legendary figure in black music,
from early R&B to rap. He'll definitely be missed.
Copyright © Classic Urban Harmony LLC, 2011. All
Rights Reserved.
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