lc good rockin robinson

Biography

L.C. "Good Rockin'" Robinson, born Louis Charles Robinson on May 13, 1914 (some sources cite May 15, 1915) in Brenham, Texas, was a pioneering American blues singer, guitarist, and fiddle player. He began playing guitar at the age of nine and was reputedly taught the bottleneck slide style by the legendary Blind Willie Johnson. Robinson's early exposure to both gospel and blues traditions in Texas deeply influenced his musical approach, blending soulful vocals with innovative guitar and fiddle techniques.

After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Robinson became a central figure in the West Coast blues scene, renowned for his mastery of the lap steel guitar—a rarity in blues at the time. His energetic performances and technical prowess earned him the nickname "Good Rockin'." In the late 1960s, he gained wider recognition through recordings such as "Oakland Blues" and his own album "Mojo in My Hand." Robinson's style combined classic blues, boogie-woogie, and gospel influences, leaving a lasting impact on the Bay Area blues community and beyond.

Though he never achieved major commercial fame, Robinson's legacy endures through his recordings and the musicians he inspired. His innovative use of the lap steel guitar and expressive bottleneck slide work helped shape the sound of modern blues, particularly on the West Coast. He passed away on September 26, 1976, but remains celebrated as a masterful performer and a key link between Texas and California blues traditions.

Fun Facts

• Robinson was one of the few blues musicians to feature the lap steel guitar as a lead instrument, helping to popularize its use in blues.
• He was equally skilled on the fiddle and often incorporated it into his blues performances, blending country and blues traditions.
• His nickname, "Good Rockin'," reflected his energetic stage presence and showmanship.
• Robinson's recordings, such as "Mojo in My Hand," are considered classics of the Bay Area blues scene.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Blind Willie Johnson - Taught Robinson the bottleneck slide guitar technique (Early guitar studies and stylistic development) [1920s]

Key Collaborators

• Dave Alexander - Frequent collaborator and bandmate in the Bay Area blues scene (Oakland Blues (World Pacific Bluesmasters series)) [Late 1960s]
• Sugar Pie DeSanto - Performed together in Bay Area blues venues (Live performances) [1960s–1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Bay Area blues musicians - Inspired a generation of West Coast blues artists with his lap steel guitar style (General influence on Bay Area blues recordings and performances) [1960s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Pinetop's Boogie Woogie (Mojo in My Hand)
2. Ups and Downs (15 Down Home Urban Blues Classics)
3. Pinetop's Boogie Woogie
4. Rock Me Baby (What a Ride! - 24 Special Tracks 1968-1989)
5. Summerville Blues (My Sweetest Touch: 22 Great Tracks, Demos, Promos & Unreleased Recordings (1975-2013): Celebrating Last Buzz Record Co. (35 Year Anniversary))
6. Dust My Broom (Dust My Broom (Hot Stuff & Rare Tracks! #1))
7. Rock Me Baby (What a Ride! - 24 Special Tracks 1968-1989)
8. Mojo in My Hand (Mojo in My Hand)
9. Ups and Downs (Mojo in My Hand)
10. Across the Bay Blues (Mojo in My Hand)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia