The Bobby Robinson Story 1951-1960

Bobby Robinson is now recognised as a leader of the Rhythm & Blues revolution of the early 1950s. An avid music fan, in 1946 Robinson moved to New York looking to invest his savings. Soon he'd opened a small record store on Harlem's 125th Street - the first black-owned business in the area. Although he moved premises he continued as a record retailer until early 2008 (outlasting his chain store competition). But it is a record label owner and producer that we are concerned with on this collection. By 1948 his sales had caught the attention of the indy labels that produced records for the black audience. He received visits from those labels, including Atlantic with whom Bobby developed a close relationship, acting first as advisor then as talent scout, finally as supplier of original recordings. He soon realised that it would pay him to open his own label - and Robin Records was formed. Through many trials (and changes of label name) Robinson recorded many of the leading talents of his era - Champion Jack Dupree, Tarheel Slim, Bobby Marchan, Lightnin' Hopkins and Elmore James are just a few of those whose names still resonate. His love of the music probably explains his ability to draw fine performances from his artists - many of whom would later say they did their best work for Robinson. He ploughed a brave and lonely furrow that others like Berry Gordy would exploit more famously and successfully. Only now is his importance being acknowledged . This collection stands as a tribute to a genuine innovator - but rarely can there have been such a fizzing, jumping, loud and lively memorial as this.