Jim Robinson (trombonist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Robinson
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Robinson (left) in June 1950
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nathan Robinson |
| Also known as | Big Jim Robinson |
| Born | December 25, 1892 Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | May 4, 1976 (aged 83) New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Instruments | Trombone |
Jim Robinson, also known as Big Jim Robinson, was an American jazz musician. He was born on December 25, 1892, and passed away on May 4, 1976. Jim was famous for playing the trombone in a special way called "tailgate" style. He could make his trombone sound deep and strong. He often used the slide to make a smooth, swooping sound between notes. This technique is called a "glissando." He was a very important part of the jazz music scene in New Orleans.
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Jim's Early Life
Jim Robinson was born Nathan Robinson. He grew up in a small place called Deer Range in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. When he was young, he learned music from a teacher named James Brown Humphrey.
His Music Career
Jim Robinson moved to New Orleans to find work. This was just before a big storm, the 1915 New Orleans hurricane, destroyed his hometown. So, Jim decided to stay in New Orleans. When he was younger, people sometimes called him "Jim Crow" because of how his face looked. He started playing music professionally when he was in his twenties, around the time of World War I.
First Recordings
In the 1920s, Jim made his first music recordings. He was part of a group called the Sam Morgan Jazz Band. Later, in the 1940s, people became very interested in early New Orleans jazz again. Jim became even more famous during this time. He regularly played with the bands of Bunk Johnson and George Lewis.
Leading His Own Band
Sometimes, Jim Robinson also led his own music group. In his later years, he often performed at a famous jazz club called Preservation Hall.
Jim's Influence
Jim Robinson's unique way of playing the trombone was very popular. Many other jazz trombonists, both in the United States and Europe, were inspired by his style. For example, Frank Demond, a trombonist from California, learned Jim's style very well. After Jim passed away, Frank took his place in the Preservation Hall groups. Jim also taught another musician named Big Bill Bissonnette.
Signature Song
Jim Robinson had a special song that everyone loved. It was called "Ice Cream". People asked him to play it almost every time he performed. This was especially true after he played it so well on an American Music Records recording in the 1940s. Jim was also known for getting the audience involved. He loved to encourage people to dance whenever they could!
Later Life
Jim Robinson passed away from cancer. He died at the Touro Infirmary hospital in New Orleans.
