The Usual Suspects
Gio Washington-Wright's L.A. Studio Musicians Tribute Site
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 JRs 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 wouldnt turn down any gig and set out a 15 year studio plan", he recalls. "Now, Im in my 23rd year in the studios and still going strong, although because Im so busy I do have to turn down some offers. Over the years Ive gotten the big calls and worked with really great artists".
Some of the hits for him are: "We Are The World", Lionel Richies "All Night Long", The Pointer Sisters "Im So Excited" and "Slow Hand" and David Lee Roths "Im 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 "Aint Nobody".
JR has been the drummer for Quincy Jones since 1979 and Barbra Streisand since 1993. He also was the drummer for Peter Framptons 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, 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.
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 wouldnt turn down any gig and set out a 15 year studio plan", he recalls. "Now, Im in my 23rd year in the studios and still going strong, although because Im so busy I do have to turn down some offers. Over the years Ive gotten the big calls and worked with really great artists".
Some of the hits for him are: "We Are The World", Lionel Richies "All Night Long", The Pointer Sisters "Im So Excited" and "Slow Hand" and David Lee Roths "Im 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 "Aint Nobody".
JR has been the drummer for Quincy Jones since 1979 and Barbra Streisand since 1993. He also was the drummer for Peter Framptons 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, 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.
"Ain't Nobody" (Chaka Khan)
John Robinson - Aint Nobody.mp3
"All Night Long" (Lionel Richie)
John Robinson - All Night Long.mp3
"Back In The High Life Again" (Steve Winwood)
John Robinson - Back In The High Life Again.mp3
"Express Yourself" (Madonna)
John Robinson - Express Yourself.mp3
"Higher Love" (Steve Winwood & Chaka Khan)
John Robinson - Higher Love.mp3
"I'm So Excited" (The Pointer Sisters)
John Robinson - Im So Excited.mp3
"Rock With You", "Thriller", and "Workin' Day And Night" (Michael Jackson)
John Robinson - Rock With You.mp3
John Robinson - Thriller.mp3
John Robinson - Workin Day And Night.mp3
John Robinson - Aint Nobody.mp3
"All Night Long" (Lionel Richie)
John Robinson - All Night Long.mp3
"Back In The High Life Again" (Steve Winwood)
John Robinson - Back In The High Life Again.mp3
"Express Yourself" (Madonna)
John Robinson - Express Yourself.mp3
"Higher Love" (Steve Winwood & Chaka Khan)
John Robinson - Higher Love.mp3
"I'm So Excited" (The Pointer Sisters)
John Robinson - Im So Excited.mp3
"Rock With You", "Thriller", and "Workin' Day And Night" (Michael Jackson)
John Robinson - Rock With You.mp3
John Robinson - Thriller.mp3
John Robinson - Workin Day And Night.mp3