Child Piano Prodigy Sugar Chile Robinson - Numbers Boogie (1951)

"Sugar Chile" Robinson

As an adult I spent a bit of time trying to learn how to play boogie blues piano.

After some practice, I managed to get some left hand bass patterns moving while adding a few right hand lines and chords over the top.

You may know, getting that going initially is a little like learning to pat your head and rub your stomach for the first time.

Then—when you're trying to make your first attempts to add convincing vocals over the top of all that—fuhgeddaboudit!!

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While I never became very fluent at boogie-blues piano—working at it gave me an appreciation for anyone who becomes accomplished at it.

That's especially true for today's video of "Sugar Chile" Robinson pounding out Numbers Boogie in 1951 when he was still just a youngster.

Although he was probably around 11 or 12 at the time—he looks a lot younger and seems small for his age—so it adds an even more endearing quality to his enthusiastic performance.

If you already enjoy boogie blues piano—you'll probably get a kick out of seeing this entertaining young showman knocking out a jumping bass-line along with some fine right hand work—all while sing-shouting out the lyrics.

Otherwise, if you're not familiar with this style—the video below might make an enjoyable introduction for you.

So give it a spin and see if you don't agree.  

Follow this link to learn more about Sugar Chile Robinson  or read a "mini-bio" under the video below. *





Thanks for stopping by.

See you again soon........

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* Info from this video's YouTube description:

"Born Frankie Robinson in Detroit, the youngest of seven children born to Clarence and Elizabeth Robinson. He was nicknamed "Sugar Chile" by his mother. Although neither parent was a musician, Frankie began playing piano by ear at the age of two. At the age of three, he won a talent show at the Paradise Theatre in Detroit. By six, he was playing guest shots with Lionel Hampton's band and the Frankie Carle Orchestra. In 1946, he made a cameo in the Van Johnson film "No Leave, No Love" performing "Caldonia". In March 1946, Robinson performed at a gala in Washington DC for President Truman. He played four numbers including "Caldonia" during which he shouted out, "How'm I Doin', Mr President?" This became a popular catch-phrase. In 1947, he was the subject of a seven-minute film entitled "Frankie 'Sugar Chile' Robinson." In 1949, Robinson made his first recordings for the Capitol label. His first two releases were "Numbers Boogie", which made it to number four on the Billboard R&B charts, and "Caldonia" which reached number 14. Robinson toured and recorded until 1952, when he requested that he be allowed to return to school. He graduated from Northern High School at age 15. He went on to attend Olivet College in Michigan, and graduated with a degree in psychology in 1960.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Joanne King"