Michael Jackson's Studio Drummer Plays 'Rock With You'

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BEHIND THE SCENES STORIES AND DRUMLESS PLAYALONGS

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WHO IS JOHN JR ROBINSON?

John Robinson was born in Creston, Iowa on December 29th, 1954, in Creston, Iowa. He's the son of the late optometrist, Dr. Jack Robinson and the late Helen Sloan. Both parents, through music, had a strong effect on John. He started on piano at the age of 5 and on drums at the age of 8. John turned pro when he started his first band at the young age of 10.

After attending many music camps throughout junior and senior high school, John chose to attend Berklee College of music in Boston, MA. At Berklee, John was introduced to a whole world variety of cultures through music.

While touring with his own band in early 1978, John got his break. Rufus & Chaka Khan came into the club where John was playing and by the third set, the band 'Rufus' was sitting in with John! Within a few weeks, John had moved to Los Angeles to finish the 1978 Rufus world tour.

In late 1978, John was introduced to Quincy Jones. "Q" asked John if he did sessions outside Rufus. Of course he replied "yes" and John was in the studio soon after recording "Off The Wall" for Michael Jackson. Ever since that record, JR's phone has been ringing...off the wall!

John “JR” Robinson has become the most recorded drummer in history, even surpassing the great Hal Blaine. Some of the hits are, We Are The World, All Night Long, You Are and Say You Say Me by Lionel Richie, I’m So Excited and Slow Hand by the Pointer Sisters, I’m Just A Gigolo and California Girls by David Lee Roth, Higher Love, The Finer Things and Back In The Highlife by Steve Winwood, Express Yourself by Madonna, Off The Wall, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Workin Day and Night and Bad from the late great Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole’s, ”Stardust” and Change The World by Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones’ The Dude, Q’s Jook Joint and From Q With Love, Give Me The Night from George Benson just to name a few. Of course in 1983 JR won a Grammy with Rufus and Chaka Khan for “Ain’t Nobody”.

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#MichaelJackson #RockWithYou

[guffinator]

The entire "Off the Wall" album was pure gold.

[theplourde]

I love how you can see JR smile throughout like he's back in the studio in 78-79 recording with Michael which I'm sure is a big highlight of his career. Playing this track must be bringing the memories on.

[MO-tplh]

AI will never replace the joy I get from watching a human play music.

[stringtheoryguitars]

The MOMENT people hear that drum lick, they smile and head to the dance floor. Doesn’t matter where you’re from, when that song plays, it brings people together. Thanks JR!

[DrumandPianoDude]

His left hand is upside-down on the two-handed groove. Nothing wrong with it. Just blows my mind! He is the sound of an entire generation! Awesome musician! Best grooves!

[thelightseeker]

Michael had amazing production behind his biggest hits. Never even thought about who drummed on this song until now.

[ironjungkwonful]

Those looking at his hand technique what he is doing is so advanced. He’s rolling his wrists in different sections to create a more crisp sound. Truly a master.

[Nater]

Holy shit I just shat myself. This dude still has every bit of it. The touch...impeccable timing/rhythm. I'm glad I found this.

[tfree]

He had me making faces and dancing with him while watching 😂❤️

[bobbiwolfgang]

Rod Temperton wrote some of the BEST all time music of our generation! RIP, sir.

[CHRISCONTEPSS]

The transitions and the accents are so controlled and perfectly crafted to the song. it’s when playing the simple grooves where it is easiest to tell a master from a novice. JR is possibly the best studio drummer of all time. met him once. Super mellow guy!

[coachbillturpin]

He always played for the song itself. Gotta love his control - so clean and precise. Ear candy.

[peterevans]

I agree this is Jackson's greatest song❤

[ANITACHEONG-emmt]

A hero with an unbreakable timeless inspiration forever and presence always. God bless your beautiful soul forevermore Michael.
God bless

[robertw]

The consistency of his play is inspiring. His snare notes sound identical no matter which hand he uses.

[steves]

The greats don't need a ton of rolls and fills to sound good. They just make the simplest things sound incredible.

[sweetspotdrummer]

That intro fill is a masterpiece. Super nice groove that had the world dancing to superstar Michael Jackson's amazing voice.

[kennak]

Hearing musicians reminisce about their past is very special, almost like reliving that moment, thank you!

[Cynsham]

That intro from Rock With You is timeless and immediately catchy and recognizable. Makes perfect sense coming from arguably the greatest studio drummer of all time. Rock on JR, he's still playing just as sharp as back in the 70s! Insane talent.

[stevemadrid]

These old school guys are machines! So clean. Still can't believe this song is 45 years old! Still sounds fresh!