Johnny Robinson
Johnny Robinson is an American southern/deep soul singer best known for his 1969 album Memphis High. He was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1939. Like many soul singers of his era, he began with gospel training before transitioning to secular music.
He started his recording career in the mid-1960s under the name "Johnny R," releasing the deep soul ballad "It’s All Over" for the Strike label around 1966.
By 1968, he signed with Okeh, where he released three singles. Notable tracks from this period include: "Gone But Not Forgotten"; "I Need Your Love So Bad" and "Poor Man" / "When A Man Cries" (highly regarded as a "double-sided deep soul classic").
His most acclaimed work was recorded in Memphis with legendary producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records. The resulting album, Memphis High, featured tracks like "Don’t Take It So Hard" and "God Is Love".
His recording career appeared to conclude in the early 1970s as the lead singer of the group Que Sunryse (sometimes spelled Que Sunrise), releasing the single "Friday 13th".
While Memphis High was poorly marketed and commercially unsuccessful upon its initial release, it has since become a highly sought-after item among Southern Soul enthusiasts for Robinson’s impassioned, "unhinged" vocal delivery. He is also noted as the father of musician Kevin Robinson.
Memphis High
Written-By – J. Robinson
2:51
A2 We Are Gonne Make It
Written-By – B. Davis, C. Smith, G. Barge, R. Miner
2:22
A3 For Your Love
Written-By – E. Townsend
3:00
A4 Kansas City
Written-By – M. Stoller - J. Leiber
2:26
A5 God Is Love
Written-By – J. Robinson
2:26
B1 Slip Away
Written-By – M. Daniel, W. Terrell, W. Armstrong
2:58
B2 Nothing Can Touch This Love
Written-By – G. Jackson
3:30
B3 Lady Doctor
Written-By – J. Robinson, M. Hodges
3:48
B4 Person To Person
Written-By – M. Hodges, M. Strong
2:29
B5 Reconsider Me
Written-By – M. Lewis, M. Smith
3:56
B6 Don't Take It So Hard
Written-By – J. Robinson
3:12
Label: Epic – BN 26528
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Southern Soul, Funk
Johnny Robinson's Memphis High, released in 1970 on Epic/BN records, is widely regarded as a "lost classic" of Southern and deep soul music. It is the sole studio LP of Robinson's career and has gained a cult following among soul enthusiasts.
The album was produced by the legendary Willie Mitchell (of Hi Records fame) during a rare sabbatical from his own label. Critics note that Mitchell captured a "rougher, earthier sound" than his later work with artists like Al Green. This gritty production perfectly complements Robinson’s "sandpapery wails" and "gospel-infused" vocal style.
The album is a mix of high-energy "funky soul" and slow-burning "deep soul" ballads. Key Tracks and Highlights:-
"Funky Feet": Described as a "ferocious dance record" and a "floorshaker," it is one of the rawest recordings Mitchell ever produced.
"God Is Love": A standout track noted for its intense gospel fire and "mindboggling" vocal performance.
"Nothing Can Touch This Love": A powerful, brooding rendition of a George Jackson song.
"Lady Doctor": Cited as a gritty blues track that captures a "down and out" vibe.
Notable Covers: Robinson performs slowed-down, soul-infused versions of Clarence Carter's "Slip Away" and the R&B classic "Kansas City".
Upon its initial release, the album vanished without a trace, largely attributed to poor marketing by Epic. Today, it holds a high reputation. It has an average rating of 4.15/5 on Discogs and is highly sought after by collectors. Original pressings are rare, with high-end sales reaching over $100.