Freddy Robinson
Freddy Robinson, originally named Fred Leroy Robinson, was born on February 24, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was raised in Arkansas, where he was exposed to numerous locally famous blues musicians during his childhood. This early exposure played a significant role in shaping his music career.
In 1956, Robinson moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he further developed his musical talents. He was particularly inspired by guitarist Joe Willie Wilkins and began recording that same year, marking the start of his professional music career. Robinson's style blended elements of blues and jazz, and he became known for his exceptional guitar skills and emotive performances.
Throughout his lengthy career, which spanned over 50 years, Freddy Robinson collaborated with various iconic artists in the music industry. He played alongside notable figures such as Ray Charles and Bobby "Blue" Bland, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist and vocalist. His contributions to the genres of blues and R&B earned him recognition and respect within the music community.
Freddy Robinson faced health challenges in his later years and passed away on October 8, 2009, in Lancaster, California, after a battle with cancer, at the age of 70. His legacy lives on through his music, and he is remembered for his unique style and significant contributions to the blues genre.
Hot Fun In The Summertime
Written-By – Fred Robinson
3:38
A2 Moonglow
Written-By – Eddie DeLange, Irving Mills, Will Hudson
3:45
A3 I Want To Hold Your Hand
Written-By – John Lennon And Paul McCartney
4:57
A4 I'm In Love
Written-By – Bernyce Leena, Monk Higgins
4:28
B1 Hot Fun In The Summertime
Written-By – Sylvester Stewart
2:52
B2 Someday We'll Be Together
Written-By – Harvey Fuqua, Jackey Beavers, Johnny Bristol
3:26
B3 Becky's Rainbow
Written-By – Fred Robinson
4:56
B4 The Creeper
Written-By – Fred Robinson
4:35
Label: Liberty – LST-11007
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz
Freddie Robinson's 1970 album Hot Fun in the Summertime is considered a soulful and crafty album that successfully ties together good groove, horns, female vocals, and strings, though some parts can veer toward easy listening or have a slightly "cheesy" feel. It is often described as a great example of groovy jazz-funk with R&B tones.
Reviewers highlight Robinson's "bossy without being arrogant" guitar style, which uses repetitive blues licks to "stoke up the fire". His use of the wah-wah and overdrive sound, reminiscent of Sly & The Family Stone's original track, is noted as a strong element.
The album is praised for its blend of R&B, soul, and jazz-funk. It is described as being in the style of contemporary recordings by The Meters and building on the example of Curtis Mayfield.
The album incorporates horns, female vocals, and strings effectively to create a sophisticated sound. The fat-bottomed bass work of Wilton Felder (of the Jazz Crusaders) is also singled out for special mention.
The covers of Sly & The Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" are considered strong, with critics suggesting they surpass the cover of "Moonglow," which is noted as leaning towards easy listening.
Overall Impression: One reviewer on a vinyl forum called it their favorite Freddie Robinson album, finding it to be a "real ripper" despite some "cheesy parts". Another source describes it as a great "after work" record, ideal for unwinding. The album holds an average user rating of 4.4/5 based on 15 ratings on Discogs, indicating a generally positive reception among fans.