BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH - WALTER ROBINSON,JR.

Walter Robinson, Jr. was born and reared in Birmingham, Alabama.

EARLY YEARS

At a very early age, it was evident that Walter would have a variety of interests. He was quite inquisitive and spent a lot of time building things. One of his specialties was providing unique candles for the family and neighbors. Walter liked to explore and find out how things were made. His sister, Velda, often reminds him of how he would take her toys apart and attempt to put them back together. His mother will never forget how she appeared just in time to prevent him from finding out where the voices were coming from in the family's radio/record player combination. He was a swift-moving little fellow. Because he was so quiet, he could examine most anything without being caught.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Walter has always been very generous and easy-going. He has no problem sharing. It was not until his adult years that it was revealed why he always took two hamburgers to school in his lunch box. Among his family and Birmingham neighbors, he is known as Mr. Fix It. He shares his talents and skills in a very modest way, not wanting a lot of praise.

HIS CAREER

The points mentioned previously probably were an indication that he had the skills that would lead him to a degree in electrical engineering. After graduating from Hayes High School in Birmingham, Alabama, he entered Tuskegee University, knowing that he would major in electrical engineering. Walter successfully completed his courses, receiving honors in his field. Since his graduation from Tuskegee, he has been employed by NASA as a Senior Computer Engineer. His daily responsibilities as a Computer Engineer at NASA share a close similarity to his pursuit for music. One of the primary ingredients to playing music is the ability to understand mathematics. Striving to be the best engineer that he could be has definitely enhanced his ability to play & perform music.

MUSICAL INTEREST

Walter was exposed to music at an early age by other musicians and performers, which included his mother, aunts, uncles, and neighbors. However, his biggest influence came from his sister as she went on to become an accomplished concert pianist thru her early years and during college. Her practice regiment, her attention to details, and her persistent attitude all rubbed off on Walter in a positive manner. Walter began playing Alto Saxophone at the early age of 8. His parents, realizing that he had some resemblance of talent enrolled him as a music student at a local music store. While all his friends indulged in playing marbles, shooting basketball, and riding bikes, Walter spent his Saturday mornings in music school. Ridicules from his peers did not detour him at the least because he actually enjoyed the experience. He went on to Hayes High School where he played in the band all four years and was selected saxophone section leader his junior and senior year. He earned spots at the All City competitions for 1st & 2nd chair sax in consecutive years. During his senior year, Walter was awarded the Most Likely To Succeed in Music trophy as a reward for his dedication and persistent quest to play music. While many years later he is still playing music and learning his craft, Walter continues to strive at developing his own sound and technique. One of his most influential musicians was the late & great Grover Washington, Jr. When you listen to Brother Robinson perform, you will also hear hints of Ronnie Laws, Tom Scott, John Coltrane, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn, Wilton Felder, and Don Myrick(EWF) just to name a few.

Walter has developed genuine friendships among his present band members and considers himself honored to be performing with some of the most talented musicians in the business.....period.....AND THAT'S ALL HE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THAT!!!! ©