Rockie Robbins
Rockie Robbins, born Edward W. Robbins Jr. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an American soul singer active since 1979. He began singing in his teens with a group called the Mystics and later sent a demo to A&M Records, leading to his signing in 1979.
Robbins' self-titled debut album on A&M was arranged by Richard Evans and Johnny Pate, but its master tapes were erased in transit, requiring a re-recording. The lead single "Be Ever Wonderful," a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's track, reached #67 on the US R&B chart in 1979.
His 1980 follow-up You and Me, produced by Bobby Martin, became his biggest success, peaking at #71 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on R&B charts, with the title track hitting #80 on Hot 100 and #9 on R&B. Later releases included I Believe in Love (1981, #30 R&B single), an unreleased 1983 A&M album, and a 1985 MCA self-titled effort featuring "Emergency" from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack.
After a hiatus, Robbins issued singles like "Serious" (1989, Respect/Profile), "Are You Ready" (1991, Debut), and "Be My Lady" (1992, High On Rhythm). In 2018, he signed with Expansion Records, releasing Good Life in 2019, with the single "Good Life/Let’s Groove" topping the UK Soul Chart.
Rockie Robbins
A2 If I Ever Lose You (Rockie Robbins 4:20)
A3 Funk Street (Rockie Robbins 4:14)
A4 When I Think Of You (Rockie Robbins 4:30)
A5 I Love Only You (Rockie Robbins 4:00)
B1 Don't Deny Me (Rockie Robbins 4:25)
B2 Be Ever Wonderful (Larry Dunn, Maurice White 5:56)
B3 Sho' Is Bad (Richard Evans, Rockie Robbins 5:20)
B4 Miss Dynamite (Greg Crockett, Ray Gardner 5:12)
Label: A&M Records – SP-4758
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Disco Funk Soul
Rockie Robbins' 1979 self-titled debut album is a well-regarded piece of classic soul, praised for its smooth production and the singer's clear, sensual tenor. Though not a massive commercial success at the time, it is now considered an essential soul album by fans and critics alike.
The album is noted for its breezy, low-key R&B sound, reminiscent of artists like Peabo Bryson. Production by Chicago visionaries Richard Evans and Johnny Pate features "agile ivory tickling, bubbly bass and punchy horns" that complement Robbins' voice without overpowering it. The musicianship is considered high-quality, involving legendary session musicians.
Robbins' "glass clear tenor" is a central highlight, perfectly suited for the album's ballad selections. His delivery is described as sensual and unaffected.
While not a major commercial success, the album was critically appreciated for its smooth, breezy soul sound, often compared to the style of Peabo Bryson. The single "Be Ever Wonderful" was a minor R&B hit, reaching number 67 on the US R&B charts. The label's confidence in Robbins led to his more successful follow-up album, You & Me, the next year.