The legendary John JR Robinson has just joined the Slingerland artist roster.
On the social media of the recently relaunched brand, we read:
“Celebrating drummers with a deep connection to Slingerland has always been a part of our rich history. Today we welcome the next generation of artists to our lineage. Please welcome to the Slingerland family John “JR” Robinson, legendary session drummer, author, speaker and educator. Thank you JR, it’s an honor to have you a part of the family.”
The artist reciprocated with the following post:
“Slingerland embodies a sound that doesn’t just speak—it sings. These drums carry stories, traditions, and an authenticity that resonates deeply with anyone who embraces this American icon.”
John JR Robinson is described as “one of the most recorded drummers in history.” He began his professional career in Tommy Dorsey’s band. After studying at Berklee College of Music, he a member of Rufus and Chaka Khan. During the recording of their album “Masterjam” (1978-1979), he met producer Quincy Jones, who invited him to work on Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” album. Since then, Robinson has recorded or toured with such artists as: George Benson, Karen Carpenter, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Brothers Johnson, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Herbie Hancock, Pointer Sisters, Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, Glen Frey, Diana Ross, David Lee Roth, Laura Branigan, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, USA For Africa, Bob Seger, Steve Winwood, John Fogerty, Bryan Ferry, Agnetha Fältskog, Boz Scaggs, Madonna, Wilson Phillips, Curtis Stigers, Mike Oldfield, Seal, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Michael McDonald, Peter Frampton, Peter Cetera, Natalie Cole, Daft Punk, Lisa Stansfield, Lady Gaga, Christopher Cross, Anita Baker, Toby Keith, Larry Carlton, David Foster, Kenny G, Julio Iglesias, Al Jarreau, and many, many more.
To his credit, Robinson has a Grammy Award with Rufus and Chaka Khan, more than 50 Grammy-awarded recordings featuring his drumming, more than 60 songs in the Billboard Hot 100, two solo albums, as well as many film and TV scores, including: “The Bodyguard“, “Space Jam“, “Escape from L.A.“, “Jerry Maguire“, “Independence Day“, “ER“). In 2016, he was ranked number 81 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the top 100 ‘Greatest Drummers of All Time’. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was already endorsed by the Slingerland brand.
Official JR Robinson website: https://www.johnjrrobinson.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JR001
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjrrobinson1/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@officialjrrobinson
Official Slingerland website: https://www.slingerland.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/slingerlanddrumco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slingerlanddrums/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@slingerlanddrums
