Herman Robinson

~ HERMAN ROBINSON OBITUARY ~ Mr. Herman Robinson was born April 29, 1944 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Mr. Herbert Robinson and Mrs. Katie Robinson. He entered into rest Saturday, June 19, 2015 at his residence. Those who preceded him in death: brother, Frank Jefferson Robinson; and sisters, Elizabeth Mary Williams, Juanita Kelly, Bernice Robinson and Brenda Robinson. He leaves to cherish his memories: his mother, Mrs. Katie Robinson; brothers, Ephraim Robinson of San Diego, California, McClendon Robinson of Rochester, New York and Ronnie Robinson of Augusta, Georgia; sisters, Lottie (LV) Lowmack and Myrtis Evans of Rochester, New York; sons, Kenneth Robinson of Evans, Georgia and Herman Antonio Robinson of Augusta, Georgia; daughters, Tammy (Josh) Smith of Evans, Georgia and Tina Hampton Brown of Augusta, Georgia; and seven grandchildren. Herman Robinson, “The Musician”, at an early age discovered his love of music. This love of music caught the attention of his grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Austin. Under her very strict tutelage he began playing the piano and guitar. Herman was required to attend church regularly where he developed a spiritual awareness of God. He attended The United House of Prayer, where he learned different chord changes, riffs in music and different playing styles from a diverse congregation of musicians. Herman was dedicated to learning to play the piano and would compete with his first cousin, Leon Austin, to see who was the best. This friendly competition led to many diverse skills. They both learned patience, endurance, discipline, and the ability to make a guitar and piano talk. Herman and Leon spent a lot of time with James Brown and many other artist traveling on the Chitterling Circuit through Augusta, Georgia. At age sixteen, renown gospel artist, Madame Edna Gallmon Cook, asked his aunt, Carrie Elson, if Herman could go on the road with her gospel group, but that request was denied by his parents stating that he was too young. After the death of the Swanee’s bass player, their manager, Charlie Barnwell, approached the family requesting that they allow Herman to play with the Swanee Quintet. This was the beginning of many adventures. He met and had jam sessions with the Staple Singers, the Soul Stirrers , the Mighty Clouds of Joy, James Cleveland and the Caravans, and Dorothy Norman. Herman was very instrumental in teaching other artist to how to play. Always staying true to his gospel roots, later in life Herman used his talents at local churches: Allen Chapel, Garden Hill, McElmurray Spring, and St. Paul sharing the ministry of music. Funeral services will be conducted this Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Thankful Baptist Church with Reverend General Jennings officiating. Interment will be in Walker Memorial Park.