Wikipedia

John Robinson (drummer)

John Frederick Robinson(born December 29, 1954), known professionally asJR,is an American drummer andsession musicianwho has been called "one of the most recorded drummers in history".[1]He is known for his work with producerQuincy Jones,includingMichael Jackson's multi-platinumOff the Wallalbum and the charity single "We Are the World".[1]JR's drum fill kicks off Jackson's chart topper "Rock with You",and his drum solo opens theSteve WinwoodalbumBack in the High Life(1986) to begin the number 1 song "Higher Love".[2]

John"JR"Robinson
John "JR" Robinson looks at the viewer through parts of his drumkit. Photograph by Suzanne Teresa in 2017.
Robinson in 2017
Background information
Birth nameJohn Frederick Robinson
Also known asJR, Time Machine
Born(1954-12-29)December 29, 1954(age 70)
Creston, Iowa,U.S.
GenresRock,funk,pop,jazz
OccupationMusician
InstrumentDrums
Years active1973–present
Websitejohnjrrobinson

Rolling Stonelisted JR in 2016 at number 81 in their list of the top 100 "Greatest Drummers of All Time".[3]He was awarded oneGrammy Awardfor theRufusandChaka Khansingle "Ain't Nobody",but has played drums on more than fifty Grammy winning works.[4]

JR plays in many different styles. His first fame came with thefunkband Rufus, and he recordeddance/funk hits withthe Pointer Sisters.In thepopandrockfields, his work stretches from the straight-up rock ofJohn Fogerty,Bonnie RaittandPeter Framptonto the mainstream pop ofLady Gaga,Daft Punk,Wilson PhillipsandMadonna.JR has backed manycontemporary R&Bsingers includingWhitney Houston,Lionel RichieandAnita Baker,as well as vocal pop/soft rock singers such asBarbra Streisand,Seal,Peter CeteraandRod Stewart.He played on a string of purecountryhits byGeorge Strait,Clint BlackandToby Keith.In the 1990s, hisfilm scoreassignments shifted into high gear, drumming forHans Zimmer,Christophe BeckandJames Newton Howard.And throughout JR's career he has collaborated withjazzartists ranging fromJeff LorbertoDavid BenoittoSadao Watanabe.JR said he is "a chameleon kind of drummer".[4]

Early life

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JR was born on December 29, 1954, inCreston, Iowa.[5]His parents, Helen Sloan and Jack Robinson, made certain he had aneducation in music,starting him in piano lessons at age five.[1]JR's father played violin as a hobby, and his mother played himbig bandrecords, pointing out the elements ofswing.[6]Robinson senior was also the arranger for the local choir Creston Chorus.[7]Both his grandfathers were musical. His favorite record at age seven was "When the Saints Go Marching In"from the soundtrack of the 1959 filmThe Five Pennies.At eight he got his first drum kit – a secondhand 1940sLudwigset with notoms,justsnare,bass,hi-hatand oneZild giancymbal.At age ten he formed a duo with Kevin Clemens who played electric guitar.[8]His next drum kit was a new 1966 Ludwig Champagne Sparkle set.[4]Tall and athletic, JR wavered between a basketball or music career, choosing music.[9]At 14, he performed with the Iowa Big Band, and he played drums in high school band,[1]using amapledrum kit, the Ludwig White Marine Pearl.[4]JR went to jazz band camp atNorthwest Missouri State UniversityandIllinois State Universitywhere he met drummer/teacherEd Sophwho helped JR break some of his bad habits, training him in traditional grip.[9]Soph encouraged him to enroll atBerklee College of Musicin Boston.[8]

JR gigged with theTommy Dorsey Bandin 1973, finding that the old, yellowed charts were very extensive, more than 1200 songs.[9]In August 1973,the Pointer Sistersopened forChicagoat theVeterans Memorial Coliseumin Des Moines.[10]JR attended the concert, and he was moved by the Pointer Sisters' songs "Cloudburst" and "Yes We Can Can".He said he" always wanted to play with them ".[11]Seven years later he played on the Pointer Sisters' hit song "Slow Hand".

Arriving at Berklee in 1973, JR was taught by drum educator and theoristGary Chaffeewho advocatedlinear drumming,and jazz drummerAlan Dawson.JR's schoolmates included bass guitaristNeil Stubenhausand drummersSteve Smith,Kenwood Dennard,Vinnie ColaiutaandCasey Scheuerell.Dawson helped change JR's bass drum footing to a heel-down style, which took years to master. JR studiedxylophoneandvibraphonewithDave Samuels,and they gigged together.[8]By 1974, JR was working as a studio musician for ProfessorJohn LaPortawho needed a precise drummer for his teaching tapes.[9]

Career

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Rufus, Quincy, Michael Jackson

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JR in 1980 performing with Rufus

After five semesters of Berklee classes,[9]JR left school but stayed in Boston to focus on gigging. He toured in a band called Shelter, and in March 1978 at the Rare Cherry nightclub outside of Cleveland, his band was surprised to find they were opening forRufusandChaka Khan.[9]After the Shelter set, Rufus and Chaka Khan came on stage to ask JR to stay and play with them. This invitation extended through the whole evening. Two weeks later, JR moved to Los Angeles to fill their touring drummer position. The first gig was in Hawaii, where JR metDanny Seraphine,founding drummer of Chicago, who encouraged JR to sign an endorsement contract with drum manufacturerSlingerland.[8]JR recorded with Rufus in 1978 on the albumNumbersreleased in early 1979, which rose to number 81 on the Billboard 200. ProducerQuincy Jonesled the next album projectMasterjamfor Rufus.Masterjamwas recorded in late 1978 and released in November 1979. The single "Do You Love What You Feel",featuringChaka Khanon vocals, crossed over to number 30 on the Hot 100. Jones was the person who first started calling John Robinson by the nickname JR.[9]BeforeMasterjamcame out, Jones brought JR toMichael Jackson's album projectOff the Wallin December 1978.[1]The first thing JR did on the project was go to Allen Zentz Recording Studios to overdub drums for the songs "Girlfriend"and"It's the Falling in Love",replacing the previous drummer's work. Jones listened to the results, conferred with Jackson, and then invited JR to be the drummer for the rest of the album. JR remembers going toWestlake Recording Studiosto cut basic tracks for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"with just keys, bass and drums. The trio wasLouis Johnsonon bass, JR, and keyboardistGreg Phillinganes:this was the first time JR had met Phillinganes. After they recorded the track, Phillinganes stood on the piano bench with his hands up, exultant. Everyone knew they had just laid the foundation for a hit.[11]Released in August 1979,Off the Wallnetted JR three hit singles: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (number 1), "Rock with You"(number 1), and"Off the Wall"(number 10).[12]From this point forward, JR was a first-request drummer for Jones.[1]

JR was on the road with Rufus and Chaka Khan for ten months in 1980 – his longest tour. During a brief stop, he spent one day recordingGeorge Benson'sGive Me the Night.[13]He helped on a few ofKaren Carpenter'ssolo albumtracks, which were not released until 16 years later. In 1981, JR recordedParty 'Til You're Brokewith Rufus, yielding the hit single "Tonight We Love". Later that year, the Rufus albumCamouflagebrought JR another hit single, "Sharing the Love", which reached number 8 on the R&B chart.[14]Rufus releasedSeal in Redin 1983, and JR also played on the Rufus/Chaka Khan single "Ain't Nobody"which topped the R&B chart and rose to number 22 on the Hot 100." Ain't Nobody "earned aGrammy Award for Best R&B Performanceat the26th Annual Grammy Awardsin early '84, which is JR's only Grammy.[4]JR said that he recorded his part for "Ain't Nobody" at Amigo Studios in Hollywood, replacing a drum machine demo track with his own ideas, but keeping a robotic feel. He first played kick and snare alone, then overdubbed the hi-hat, then another pass for toms. This was a common practice in the 1980s to keep the drum parts isolated.[11]

Other projects during this time included some dates withthe Temptationsandthe Four Tops,[4]the Brothers JohnsonalbumLight Up the Night(1980), Quincy Jones' albumThe Dude(1981), Louis Johnson's gospel albumPassagefor A&M,[9]and six songs with JR as drummer on thePatti AustinalbumEvery Home Should Have Onewhich produced the hugely successful hit duet withJames Ingram,"Baby, Come to Me".BassistStanley Clarkeused JR for one song, "We Supply", onRocks, Pebbles and Sand(1980).[9]JR covered drum duties for two songs on theHerbie HancockalbumMagic Windows(1981), and also for his next albumLite Me Up.The Pointer Sisters' 1981 albumBlack & Whitebirthed the hit single "Slow Hand".Jazz keyboardistJeff Lorberput JR on the drum throne for hisIt's a Factalbum in 1982, andLionel Richieused JR's drumming skills for three songs onLionel Richie(1982) including the big hit "You Are".[15]Jones brought JR toDonna Summer's self-titled album to cut the song "State of Independence".[4]

When the Pointer Sisters were ready for their next album, producerRichard Perrycalled JR in early 1982 to bring his drums to Perry's own Studio 55 onMelrose Avenue.Once again, JR joined bassistNathan Wattsto form the rhythm section, supporting John Barnes on keys, and a changing lineup of guitarists.Paulinho da Costaadded percussion. JR recalled that the music was surprisingly funky for the song "I'm So Excited"which turned out to be a Top 40 hit in 1982, and then a Top 10 hit in 1984 as a remix.[11]Lionel Richie used several drummers including JR on his albumCan't Slow Down(1983). In 1982 at Ocean Way Studio A, JR formed a trio with Richie playingYamaha CS-80synthesizer andAbraham Laborielon electric bass. The three of them laid down the basic tracks for "All Night Long (All Night)"to create" the space and grace that the song needed ", according to JR.[11]Percussion parts were layered into the mix afterward. The song topped threeBillboardcharts: pop, R&B and adult contemporary.[16]Glenn Freypulled JR on the road with him in September–November 1982, starting in Japan and returning to the US; all in support of his solo albumNo Fun Aloud.[4]

The theme for the1984 Summer Olympicswas "Olympia"bySérgio Mendeswho used JR for acoustic drums andTerry Bozziofor electronic drum programming.Diana Rosscalled upon JR to record her song "Missing You"(1984). ProducerTed Templemanused JR for the firstDavid Lee Rothsolo projectCrazy from the Heat(1984).[4]Two hits came from that: a cover ofthe Beach Boys' "California Girls",and a medley of pop classics"Just a Gigolo"and"I Ain't Got Nobody".Richard Perry used JR for his three songs onLaura Branigan's albumSelf Control(1984). Phillinganes tapped JR for a couple of songs on his solo albumPulse(1984).DeBargeincluded some of JR's drums on the albumRhythm of the Night(1985).Eric Claptonput JR on one song from his albumBehind the Sun(1985). Benson used JR on a couple of songs from his 1985 album20/20,including a cover of "Beyond the Sea (La Mer)"which charted in the UK.[4]Whitney Houstoncut some tracks with JR in 1984 for her eponymous album, giving JR more number 1 hits: "Saving All My Love for You"in 1985 and"Greatest Love of All"in 1986. Houston's next album used JR on the number 1 hit"Didn't We Almost Have It All"(1987).[15][17]

Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones headed the project USA for Africa to provide relief for the1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia.To cut the rhythm tracks for the charity single "We Are the World",Jones bookedLion Share Studiosin Los Angeles, the oldABC/Dunhill studiowhere Rufus first recorded, and Jones called JR to cover drums. JR joined bassist Johnson and keyboardist Phillinganes to learn the song from Richie and Jackson with everyone gathered around the piano. JR recalls that when it was time to push the record button, the various industry executives and media people were making too much noise, ruining the vibe, and Jones asked JR to clear them out. JR shouted, "Everyone, get the fuck out, let us record first and then you all can come back in!" Which is exactly what happened.[11]The basic rhythm tracks went down very well, followed the next week by a different recording session for all the celebrity voices. "We Are the World" became one of thebest-selling singlesof all time.

Rock and vocal pop

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JR pictured withYamahadrums in 1985. JR mixed his own monitors during live shows, using the Yamaha MC2404 mixer in the rear.[2]

From the mid-1980s, JR played drums for a wide range of rock, soft rock and pop artists. He replacedRuss Kunkel's work on six tracks forBob Seger's albumLike a Rockin 1985, noting that Seger only wanted to hear low-pitched wooden drums – no brass snares.[2]Maurice Whiteused JR for some songs on his solo albumMaurice White(1985),[4]on which his cover of "Stand by Me"was a hit.[18]In November 1985, JR was in New York City recording songs for George Benson'sWhile the City Sleeps...album.[4]He was called byRuss Titelmanto bring his drums over toUnique Recording Studios,to work onSteve Winwood's upcoming album,Back in the High Life.[4][11]Titelman and Winwood used various combinations of JR's drums, drum machines, triggered samples and sequenced samples to create the electronic pop sound they were looking for.[2][19][20]JR's drum fill on "Higher Love"was originally just JR playing around between songs, hitting rimshots on his vintage brass Ludwig Black Beauty snare to sound like aLatintimbale.[2][4]EngineerTom Lord-Algecaptured the drum pattern on tape, and shifted it to the beginning of the song.[21]Winwood and Titelman were very happy with the result, and the drum fill was used to open the album. After the song hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986, the pattern was so famous that JR put it on his answering machine to let callers know they had reached the right man.[2]

JR put together his own band in 1986, recruiting his friend bassistNeil Stubenhaus,guitaristMarty Walsh,and pianistAlan Pasqua.They had been playing gigs together whenWarner Bros. RecordsPresidentLenny Waronkercalled JR to catch up. JR told Waronker about his band and Waronker said thatJohn Fogerty(ex–Creedence Clearwater Revival) should be the singer of the band. After working on more than a dozen of Fogerty's song ideas, JR and his band recordedEye of the Zombiefor Fogerty in 1986, then toured to promote the album. On the road serving as musical director, JR sat behind a Yamaha Power Recording drum kit with two bass drums, using flat foot pedal style on the right and toe method on the left. Three hi-hats were used: a 15-inch Zild gian Quick Beats on the left and two linked 13-inch Zild gian K-series on the right.[2]JR said that the tour was disappointing because Fogerty was getting sued bySaul Zaentzand could not play his popular CCR songs.[13]

Other work by JR in this period includedBryan Ferry'sBête Noire(1987),TDK's jazz compilationJoyride(1987),Agnetha Fältskog'sI Stand Alone(1987) andBoz ScaggsOther Roads(1988).[15]Michael Jackson's albumBadwas recorded for more than a year during 1985–87. JR drummed on six of the album's songs: "Bad","The Way You Make Me Feel","Speed Demon","Liberian Girl","Dirty Diana"and"Smooth Criminal".Four were Top 40 hits.[12]

In 1988, JR was called by producerPatrick Leonardto work onMadonna's albumLike a Prayer.With his longtime drum tech John Good (later withDrum Workshop), JR brought his drums to Leonard's own Johnny Yuma Studios in Hollywood, to set up for the session. The session stalled, waiting for Madonna to show up, because she prefers to be present when the drums are recorded. But JR could not wait and recorded his drums for "Express Yourself"anyway. When Madonna appeared and was introduced to JR, he said he thought the song was" smokin' ". Madonna listened to the drums on tape and said," It's fucking great! "[11]

ProducerGlen Ballard(Pointer Sisters, Patti Austin) leaned heavily on JR for a pair of albums byWilson Phillips,includingWilson Phillipsin 1990 andShadows and Lightin 1992. These projects put six more Top 40 singles into JR's discography. Ballard also brought JR intoCurtis Stigers' debut album(1991), yielding two Hot 100 chart singles, followed byK. T. Oslin's retrospective albumSongs from an Aging Sex BombandLea Salonga's eponymous album,both in 1993.[15]

In 1989, Quincy Jones used JR on thequiet stormsong, "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)"(1990), featuring singersAl B. Sure!,James Ingram,El DeBargeandBarry White.Jones also put JR on the song "Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me)",withTevin Campbellon vocals, which hit number 75.[22]

1990s

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JR performing onDavid Foster's The Hitman Tour in Ottawa, 2019

JR was present for a handful of jazz dates with Herbie Hancock, Jeff Lorber and George Benson in the '80s, and in the 1990s he picked up more jazz work. Quincy Jones used JR on the albumQ's Jook Jointwhich rose to number 1 on the jazz charts. Jazz pianistDavid Benoitemployed JR on his 1991 albumShadows.English composerMike Oldfieldpicked JR for one track on his albumTubular Bells II(1993). With JR on six tracks, Lorber's albumWorth Waiting Forrose to number 1 on the Contemporary Jazz chart in 1993.[23]Lorber used JR again onWest Side Storiesin 1994, reaching number 5 on the same chart.[24]

Mexican singerLuis Migueldecided to record an album in Los Angeles under the Warner umbrella, and JR was chosen as drummer on the project titled20 Años.Two singles from the album rose to number 1 on the USHot Latin Songschart: "Entrégate"and"Tengo Todo Excepto a Ti",both in 1990. British singer-songwriterSealused four drummers including JR on his 1991 albumSeal.The song "Crazy"with JR on drums hit number 7 on the Hot 100.[25][26]English singerRod Stewartused JR for his song "Rhythm of My Heart",rising to number 5 on the Hot 100 in 1991.[27]Canadian guitaristRobbie Robertsonused JR for two songs on his albumStoryville(1991) and again on 1994'sMusic for The Native Americans.[4]Buffy Sainte-Marie's 1992 albumCoincidence and Likely Storieswas assisted by JR.

Barbra Streisandtook JR on tour in 1993–94 forBarbra Streisand in Concert.After this, JR was always Streisand's concert drummer.[28]Titelman brought JR into theMichael McDonaldalbumBlink of an Eye(1993). In 1995, JR toured with English guitaristPeter Frampton,recording the concerts to create the live albumFrampton Comes Alive! II.[13]He also contributed toJennifer Love Hewitt's debut albumLet's Go Bang(1995). Clapton andBabyfaceused JR on drums and Nathan East on bass for the song "Change the World",recorded at theRecord Plantin L.A.; the song appeared in the 1996 filmPhenomenonand won a Grammy.[4]In 1997, JR was one of two drummers onClint Black's albumNothin' but the Taillights,then in '99 JR was the only drummer on his next albumD'lectrified,which put two singles on the Hot 100.[29]JR has participated annually in Celebrity Fight Night, a charity event held in Arizona to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center atBarrow Neurological Institute.The event has been under the musical direction ofDavid Fostersince 1999.[7][30]JR backed Barbra Streisand in 1999–2000 on herTimelesstour.[13]

Later work

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Country artistToby Keithused JR for his albumPull My Chain(2001), which added three songs to the Hot 100.[31]JR also played on his next album,Unleashed(2002). In 2006–07, JR joined television composerMike Postin the band L.A. Blues Alliance, made up of local session musicians. The band released thebluesalbumWhat a Lifein May 2007.[32][33]JR helped celebrate the 75th birthday of Quincy Jones in Montreux, Switzerland, in July 2008. A video album was made of the party,Quincy Jones: The 75th Birthday Celebration – Live at Montreux.JR backed a wide range of vocalists with a band consisting of himself, keyboardists Greg Phillinganes and David Delhomme, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., bassist Nathan East, and percussionistPaulinho da Costa.[34]Seal used JR on his cover of "Stand By Me" in 2008. Starting in 2010, JR toured with David Foster,[25]backing singers such asPeter Cetera,the Tenors,Ruben Studdard,ChariceandNatalie Cole.[13]

In 2012, joining bassist Nathan East, JR recorded withDaft Punkon their albumRandom Access Memories.The single "Lose Yourself to Dance"topped the Dance Club chart."Instant Crush"performed well on Hot Dance/Electronic, and the album's opening cut"Give Life Back to Music"peaked at number 9 on the Dance Club chart.[35]JR said that some of the songs on that project had multiple drummers contributing separately, such as the song "Giorgio by Moroder"which usedOmar Hakimin New York and JR in Los Angeles. The same year, Oldfield relied on JR for the2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.[4]Lisa Stansfieldused JR for her albumSeven,especially for the track "Can't Dance".Oldfield brought JR into his 2014 projectMan on the Rocks,and New ZealanderKimbraused JR for her 2014 albumThe Golden Echo.

JR served as drummer on theLady Gagasong "Stupid Love"(2020) which rose to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.[36]

Solo work

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JR at theNAMM Showin 2011, demonstrating his 24-inch Signature Deep Heavy Ride and his 24-inch 2002-Series Swish RidePaistecymbals

JR formed the short-lived band Bridge 2 Far (1989) with singer Mark Williamson, and again with Williamson in the trio TRW with guitaristMichael Thompson.TRW released the albumRivers of Paradiseon Frontiers Records in 2007.[25]With the band Native Son, JR releasedSon Talkin 2011 on the label King Japan. Native Son is Thompson (guitar), JR (drums),Bobby Watson(sax) andMo Pleasure(bass).[25]

JR has released two solo albums:Funkshui(2004) andPlatinum(2007). He said that the songs onPlatinumconsisted mainly of funk and rock, recorded at hisThousand Oakshome studio, Home Court, using aYamaha Pro AudioDM2000digital mi xing console.[13]He was inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in 2005[25]and Rock Godz Hall Of Fame in 2019.[37]JR hosts the "Vinyl Night" radio show at EnterTalk Radio.[38]

Film and television

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JR has played drums for manyfilm scores,always following a pre-written chart. He said that film work is the most challenging, as it requires a higher degree of concentration and focus.[13]His film and television credits include 2009'sThe Hangoverinterpreting a score byChristophe Beck,[13]Ordinary PeopleforMarvin Hamlischin 1980,[9]Grand Canyon(1991),My Cousin Vinny(1992),The Bodyguard(1992),Space Jam(1996),That Thing You Do!(1996),Escape from L.A.(1996),Jerry Maguire(1996),Independence Day(1996),[25]The Story of Us(1999),[4]andBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016).[25]JR joined Beck again on the filmHot Pursuitin 2015.[7]ForMan of Steel(2013), JR was the leader of multiple drummers recorded in5.1 surround sound,arranged byHans Zimmer.[4]

On television, JR played for theERseries (1994), and he has served multiple times as the drummer for theAcademy Awardsbroadcast orchestra.[25]Joining sax playerTom Scottand bassist Nathan East, JR scored the music and drummed on the HBO documentaryThe Bronx, USAin which the video "Gonna Be Alright" emerged (2019), about talent agentGeorge Shapiro.[39]

Drum equipment

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JR endorsedDrum Workshop(DW) drums starting in 2009

Around 1979 through the efforts of Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine,Slingerland Drum Companypicked up JR as an endorser. He said he preferred double-headed tom drums for their responsiveness, but played with single heads when a recording project required it.[9]JR endorsedYamahadrums starting in 1981.[6]Yamaha produced a 5×15 signature snare designed by JR, with a thin 4-ply birch shell ringed by a combination of 4-ply birch reinforcing hoops and 19-ply vintage wood hoops. The snare wires were unusual: 25-strand carbon steel in a larger bed of 2.7 mm. A second signature snare by JR was a thicker 7-ply birch shell, 5.5×14 with copper nails around the perimeter, and 3 mm zinc hoops. Along withMitch Mitchell,JR was partial to the ASBA Caroline kick drum pedal for its greater adjustability.[40]In 1990–91, JR helped test the firstAxis Percussionkick drum pedals.[41]

Zild gian's longtime artist relations man, Lenny DiMuzio, signed JR around 1980.[9]Rich Mangicaro[8]ofPaistecymbals signed JR to an endorsement deal in March 2006, collaborating with JR to develop the 24-inch Masters Deep Ride cymbal,[42]and the 24-inch "Signature Groove" Swish Ride cymbal,[43]made from Paiste's 2002-series CuSn8 bronze copper alloy containing 8% tin, unfinished underneath for complexity.[44]In October of 2024 JR started endorsingIstanbul Mehmetcymbals.

In 2007, Yamaha produced another JR Signature snare, this one made of birch withbird's eye mapleon the outer surface. It was 6.5×14 in size, again with copper nails around the bearing edge, to thicken the sound.[6]In 2009 after Yamaha changed their artist relations staff, JR shifted to endorseDrum Workshop(DW) drums, reconnecting with his old drum tech John Good who was now vice president of the company.[1]

JR takes part in drum workshops and industry conventions such asNAMM Showin Anaheim, Drummer's Reality Camp in Pasadena,Musikmesse Frankfurt,the Bag'Show in Paris, and Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis.[13]JR served as a judge at the 2002 Collegiate Jazz Festival atNotre Dame.In 2011, JR released an instructional video for drummers, titledJohn JR Robinson: The Time Machine.JR's drum tech, John Oreshnick, appears on the video, as well as David Foster, Nathan East, Paul Jackson, Abraham Laboriel and Luis Conte.[45]The video was named DVD of the Year byModern Drummer.[25]

Billboard Hot 100 singles

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JR played drums on these songs that appeared on theBillboardHot 100chart:[15]

Artist Song Year Peak
Michael Jackson "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" 1979 1
Michael Jackson "Rock with You" 1979 1
Rufus "Do You Love What You Feel" 1979 30
The Brothers Johnson "Stomp!" 1980 7
George Benson "Love X Love" 1980 61
George Benson "Give Me the Night" 1980 4
Michael Jackson "Off the Wall" 1980 10
The Pointer Sisters "Slow Hand" 1981 2
Rufus "Sharing the Love" 1981 91
Quincy Jones "Just Once" 1981 17
Quincy Jones "One Hundred Ways" 1981 14
The Pointer Sisters "I'm So Excited"(original) 1982 30
The Pointer Sisters "Should I Do It" 1982 13
Patti AustinandJames Ingram "Baby, Come to Me" 1982 1
Donna Summer "State of Independence" 1982 41
Lionel Richie "You Are" 1983 4
RufusandChaka Khan "Ain't Nobody" 1983 22
Lionel Richie "All Night Long (All Night)" 1983 1
The Pointer Sisters "I'm So Excited"(remix) 1984 9
David Lee Roth "California Girls" 1984 3
Diana Ross "Missing You" 1984 10
USA for Africa "We Are the World" 1985 1
David Lee Roth "Just a Gigolo" 1984 12
Lionel Richie "Say You, Say Me" 1985 1
Whitney Houston "Saving All My Love for You" 1985 1
Maurice White "Stand by Me" 1985 50
Steve Winwood "Higher Love" 1986 1
Maurice White "I Need You"[18] 1986 95
Whitney Houston "Greatest Love of All" 1986 1
Lionel Richie "Dancing on the Ceiling" 1986 2
Steve Winwood "Back in the High Life Again" 1986 13
Stabilizers "One Simple Thing" 1986 93
Anita Baker "No One in the World" 1987 44
Steve Winwood "The Finer Things" 1987 8
Michael Jackson "Bad" 1987 1
Whitney Houston "Didn't We Almost Have It All" 1987 1
Michael Jackson "The Way You Make Me Feel" 1987 1
Michael Jackson "Dirty Diana" 1988 1
Steve Winwood "Don't You Know What the Night Can Do?" 1988 6
Siedah Garrett "K.I.S.S.I.N.G." 1988 97
Peter Cetera "One Good Woman" 1988 4
Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal" 1988 7
Madonna "Express Yourself" 1989 2
Wilson Phillips "Hold On" 1990 1
Wilson Phillips "Release Me" 1990 1
Quincy JonesandTevin Campbell "Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me)" 1990 75
Wilson Phillips "Impulsive" 1990 4
Quincy Jonesand friends "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)" 1990 31
Wilson Phillips "You're in Love" 1991 1
Rod Stewart "Rhythm of My Heart" 1991 5
Seal "Crazy"[25] 1991 7
Wilson Phillips "The Dream Is Still Alive" 1991 12
Curtis Stigers "I Wonder Why" 1991 9
Wilson Phillips "You Won't See Me Cry" 1991 20
Curtis Stigers "You're All That Matters to Me" 1992 98
Eric Clapton "Change the World" 1996 5
Clint Black "When I Said I Do" 1999 31
Clint Black "Been There" 2000 44
Toby Keith "I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight" 2001 27
Toby Keith "I Wanna Talk About Me" 2001 28
Toby Keith "My List" 2002 26
The Weeknd "I Feel It Coming" 2016 4
Lady Gaga "Stupid Love" 2020 5

Partial discography

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With Rufus

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As sideman

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References

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  1. ^abcdefg"John J.R. Robinson".DrummerWorld.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  2. ^abcdefgMattingly, Rick (June 1987)."John Robinson".Modern Drummer.No. 91. pp.16–21,48–53.
  3. ^Staff (March 31, 2016)."100 Greatest Drummers of All Time".Rolling Stone.RetrievedJuly 16,2020.
  4. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrsEpstein, Dmitry M. (December 2015)."Interview with John Robinson".Let It Rock.DMME.net. Archived fromthe originalon July 17, 2020.RetrievedJuly 16,2020.
  5. ^"John JR Robinson".Berklee College of Music.Archived fromthe originalon February 28, 2019.RetrievedJuly 28,2013.
  6. ^abcStaff (Winter 2007)."John" JR "Robinson – Beats, Not Boundaries".All Access.Yamaha Entertainment Group of America.RetrievedJuly 15,2020.
  7. ^abcLawler, Joe (February 26, 2015)."Iowa drummer reflects on 30 years of 'We are the World'".Des Moine Register.
  8. ^abcdeMangicaro, Rich (2009). "Time Machine: JR Robinson".Edge.No. 8.Drum Workshop.
  9. ^abcdefghijklFlans, Robyn (August–September 1981)."Portraits: John Robinson".Modern Drummer.
  10. ^Tate, Eleanora E. (August 16, 1973). "The Pointers and Chicago 'Get Down'".The Des Moines Register.p. 9.
  11. ^abcdefghGunnar "funkpost" Kristiansen (November 16, 2017)."Behind 10 of JR's biggest hits".SlapKlatz.RetrievedJuly 15,2020.
  12. ^ab"Michael Jackson Chart History Hot 100".Billboard.RetrievedJuly 15,2020.
  13. ^abcdefghiAmendola, Billy (April 2011)."John" JR "Robinson".Modern Drummer.RetrievedJuly 16,2020.
  14. ^"Rufus Chart History".Billboard.RetrievedApril 14,2022.
  15. ^abcdefg"Discography".John JR Robinson.RetrievedJuly 16,2020.
  16. ^Whitburn, Joel(2004).Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004.Record Research. p. 492.
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