Roscoe Robinson
Roscoe Robinson is an American gospel and soul singer born on May 22, 1928, in Dermott, Arkansas, to a pastor father and a musical mother.
He grew up in a musical family, singing in church from childhood before moving to Gary, Indiana, in 1938. Robinson started his career in gospel music in 1946 with the Royal Quartet and soon joined groups like the Highway QCs, Kelly Brothers, Northfolk Singers, and Southern Sons, even temporarily replacing Sam Cooke.
In the 1950s, he recorded as a solo artist with Trumpet Records and performed with the Five Trumpets, Fairfield Four, Silver Quintet, Five Blind Boys of Mississippi (where he wrote "Somewhere There’s A God"), and Blind Boys of Alabama. He returned to gospel periodically, including with the Soul Stirrers in 1967 and later collaborations.
Robinson shifted to secular soul in the 1960s, releasing his first R&B single "What Makes A Man Do Wrong" in 1964 with Sound Stage Seven. Hits included "That's Enough" (Billboard R&B No. 7 in 1966), "How Much Pressure (Do You Think I Can Stand)," and "Do It Right Now" (R&B No. 40 in 1967). He later recorded with Atlantic Records, reaching No. 42 with "Ooh Wee Baby I Love You" in 1969.
Over 60+ years, he worked in major markets like Muscle Shoals and Chicago, produced for others, and earned honors like the 2022 Alabama Music Awards Lifetime Achievement and inductions into halls of fame. Now in his late 90s and residing in Birmingham, Alabama, he remains a "shout singer" blending gospel, soul, and funk.
Why Must It End
2 That's Enough
3 Darling, Please Tell Me
4 Why Are You Afraid
5 Let Me Know
6 One Bo-Dillion Years
7 Fox Hunting On A Weekend
8 You Don't Move Me No More
9 Why Must It End
10 How Many Times Must I Knock
11 I'm Burning And Yearning (For You)
12 Standing In The Safety Zone
13 You're All I Need
14 My Pride Won't Let Me
15 Don't Forget The Soldiers (Fighting In Vietnam)
16 Tis Yuletide
17 That's It
18 In Time You'll See
19 Leave You In The Arms Of Your Other Man
20 Oo Wee Baby I Love You
Label: Soulscape Records – SSCD 7015
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2008
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Deep Soul
The album Why Must It End by Roscoe Robinson is a highly regarded compilation of his secular deep and Southern soul recordings from the late 1960s, praised for its collection of brilliant deep soul tracks and Robinson's exceptional vocal performances.
Music critics and soul music enthusiasts consider the album a must-have for fans of the genre, highlighting Roscoe Robinson as one of the great soul voices, on par with artists like Otis Redding and Johnnie Taylor. The album is a compilation, primarily of recordings for his own Gerri label and the Nashville-based Sound Stage 7 label between 1965 and 1969.
Robinson's voice is consistently described as a rich baritone, shining through both ballads and up-tempo numbers. Critics note his vocal approach is laid back yet expressive, delivering powerful, heartfelt performances.
The album is a prime example of Southern soul, featuring top-class studio musicianship, including the Memphis Boys. The arrangements effectively use strings to complement his vocals on ballads.
The title track, "Why Must It End," is singled out as a "brilliant Deep Soul opus". The CD also includes his million-selling hit "That's Enough," a "club classic" in the UK, and other highly regarded deep soul ballads like "Let Me Know" and "Leave You in the Arms of Your Other Man".
The Soulscape CD release, in particular, is noted for completing a valuable trio of consecutive releases for Southern soul fans and features informative liner notes. The collection offers a comprehensive look at his peak secular recording period.
In essence, the album is a highly recommended listen, showcasing the work of an outstanding vocalist and offering a superb example of classic deep soul music.