John
"JR" Robinson
One
of the most recorded drummers in history, John "JR Robinson,
got his musical start in Creston, Iowa, where he was born
in 1954. Both of JR's parents wanted him to be involved in
music, so at the age of 5 came the piano, drums at 8, and
JR started his first band at the ripe old age of 10. JR credits
his drumming chops to having great teachers early on. At 14
he began playing with the Iowa Big Band, that was located
in SW Iowa near Creston. During his high school years he was
both an athlete and a drummer -- fortunately he picked the
correct career choice. After graduation he emigrated to Boston
and the Berklee School of Music, playing in both small groups
and big bands.
In 1978, John was hired for the drum chair in "Rufus" and
moved to Los Angeles to finish the "Rufus and Chaka Khan"
tour. In late 1978, JR was asked by Quincy Jones if he did
any sessions outside "Rufus." An immediate 'yes' found him
in the studio recording "Off The Wall" for Michael Jackson.
After that session, unlike many, JR created a career path.
"I decided that I wouldn't turn down any gig and set out a
15 year studio plan," he recalls. "Now, I'm in my 23rd year
in the studios and still going strong, although because I'm
so busy I do have to turn down some offers. Over the years
I've gotten the big calls and worked with really great artists."
Some of the hits for him are: "We Are The World;" Lionel Richie's
"All Night Long;" The Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited" and
"Slow Hand;" and David Lee Roth's "I'm Just a Gigolo" and
"California Girls." Other artists that JR backed are Steve
Winwood, Natalie Cole, and in 1983 he won a Grammy with Rufus
and Chaka Khan for "Ain't Nobody."
JR has been the drummer for Quincy Jones since 1979 and Barbra
Streisand since 1993. He also was the drummer for Peter Frampton's
live CD "Frampton Comes alive 2."
Even with his very busy schedule, JR has found time to teach
a course in "Studio Techniques" at the Los Angeles Music Academy
every other semester. He is currently working on his solo
CD and producing several projects, and will continue to add
his magic on many hits to come with his recognized sound of
great time and a great groove. John "JR" Robinson, an Iowa
boy, who has made the big time and been the drummer for most
of the top artists in the very competitive musical world of
the Los Angeles studios. |
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