1933 - 2014
Edward Robinson was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1933.
His musical talent was evident from an early age, when he taught himself to play the piano at around the age of thirteen. A formative early experience was when he sat down at his older brother's piano and began to play the song “Does Jesus Care” by ear. This event marked the beginning of a lifelong passion and devotion to gospel music.
After his family moved to Chicago in 1949, Robinson's musical career continued to develop. He began playing piano for Louis Bodie and soon became the regular accompanist for legendary gospel icon Mahalia Jackson. This collaboration would last seventeen years and take him all over the world. During his time with Mahalia Jackson, Robinson played at the White House for five different presidents of the United States, performed before European royalty, and stood on the hallowed stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City.
In addition to his influential work with Mahalia Jackson, Edward Robinson also played with other important figures in the music world, including Aretha Franklin, Albertina Walker, Sam Cooke, The Caravans, Gladys Knight, and Robert Anderson. Despite this remarkable professional success, Robinson always remained true to his deep roots in gospel music.
In 1997, Edward Robinson's significant contribution to gospel music was recognized by the city of Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley honored him as one of the pioneers of this genre in the city. He was later also honored as a historian by the former governor of Illinois, George Ryan.
Robinson remained musically active in his later years. He worked as a pianist for the St. Andrew Temple Choir and as a bandleader for the Leak and Sons funeral home. He also accompanied Willie Wilson on his travels around the world as his pianist.
Edward Robinson passed away in November 2014 at the age of 81. His life was a testament to his deep passion for gospel music and his significant influence on the genre.
Controversial opinions
It should be noted that there are differing opinions about Robinson's musical abilities. While he was celebrated on the radio as the “King of the Ivories,” Mahalia Jackson herself expressed critical views about his musical skills. She stated that he could not read music or transpose, and described him as a “good (equivalent to ‘stomp’) pianist,” considering Willie Webb to be a better pianist. Bill Russell, on the other hand, appreciated Robinson's playing. These differing perspectives paint a more complex picture of Robinson's musical career.
Despite these differing opinions, it is undeniable that Edward Robinson played an important role in the world of gospel music and left a lasting impression through his long-standing collaboration with Mahalia Jackson and his performances on major stages worldwide. His honors from the city of Chicago and the governor of Illinois underscore his important contribution to music history.