Obituary for Bill Robinson
Billie Gene Robinson (Bill) born, July 24, 1949 in Miami, Florida. The fifth child of Andy and Bernice Robinson - he attended the Houghton School, now The Martin Luther King Elementary School and Rindge Tech both in Cambridge Massachusetts. He was a great artist who loved math and science and wanted to be an architect. Bill went on to further his education in drafting school in Rochester, New York. He worked for many years for both the state and local government, in a variety of jobs.
As a child Bill joined the drum and bugle corps which started a lifelong love of music. He realized that music was his first passion and pursued a musical career as a producer, writer and lyricist. As a musician he mastered many instruments including the trumpet and piccolo but primarily played the flute, and tenor saxophone. He started out playing in back up bands employed by Epic records and while doing so appeared on shows with such performers as BB. King, The Temptations and Otis Redding.
As Bill pursued his love in the music industry he had various opportunities and travelled to Dubai, Jamaica and throughout the US including New York ( Americana on Broadway, Texas (The National Recording Convention) and Florida playing and opening for a variety of jazz and contemporary groups and at various clubs, festivals and hotels. He was a musician with international range and experience, having the harmonic reach of the best jazz players, combined with the simplicity and urgency of the great funk players.
Bill also played for various local, street, and charitable venues. In Boston he’s been heard at the House of Blues Brunches, Ryles and the Park Plaza Hotel. His name and face were well known in the Cambridge and Boston surrounding area and many would stop to listen when he played. He was also the band director for local area groups and a member of the ELKS Lodge in Cambridge. He enjoyed travelling with his own band and playing for others. Bill produced many musical scores and was a great all around musician. He believed in hard work with endurance. His favorite words were “Set a goal and practice, practice, practice without short cuts.” Bill believed that music can bring joy and peace to all of us.
Later in life Bill was also a producer of a TV show at Cambridge Community Television and received an award for producer of the year. He and his friend and Co-Host Shy did many shows and performed comedy skits. Bill played a variety of instruments during his show with soothing music and gave free music lessons. He had many guests who focused on community issues, problem solving and making people laugh.
Bill will be dearly missed by a multitude of family and friends. He had a sweet way about him and family held a huge place in his heart. He continued the tradition of his parent’s Andy and Bernice Robinson Sr., where family was always of the utmost importance. He was instrumental in putting together family events and celebrations. He always kept in touch by calling or stopping in for a visit. Bill had a way of connecting with you. He had a positive impact on many people. He was always smiling & laughing, and had a kind word, joke, some pleasant conversation, or a story to tell. He was all about keeping family connected and loved everyone dearly! He was someone you could easily open up and talk to. He was a great friend who was there for you no matter what and made you feel special, valued, and loved.
Bill was also a member of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge. In his spirit of gathering, a family prayer line was organized in his honor and once again he has played a major role in family gathering together. The prayer line will continue in his honor. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Andy and Bernice Robinson Sr., siblings Andy Robinson Jr., Charles Robinson, Jacky Robinson, and Aundrie Robinson. Bill is survived by children Kyra and Andy (their late mother Lila) and his sister Rose Ann, brother Tyrone (Renee), sister Patricia (Newmon), sister in law Carolyn, Aunt Ann and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Bill will be truly missed by all. Bill we love you and your spirit lives on.
As a child Bill joined the drum and bugle corps which started a lifelong love of music. He realized that music was his first passion and pursued a musical career as a producer, writer and lyricist. As a musician he mastered many instruments including the trumpet and piccolo but primarily played the flute, and tenor saxophone. He started out playing in back up bands employed by Epic records and while doing so appeared on shows with such performers as BB. King, The Temptations and Otis Redding.
As Bill pursued his love in the music industry he had various opportunities and travelled to Dubai, Jamaica and throughout the US including New York ( Americana on Broadway, Texas (The National Recording Convention) and Florida playing and opening for a variety of jazz and contemporary groups and at various clubs, festivals and hotels. He was a musician with international range and experience, having the harmonic reach of the best jazz players, combined with the simplicity and urgency of the great funk players.
Bill also played for various local, street, and charitable venues. In Boston he’s been heard at the House of Blues Brunches, Ryles and the Park Plaza Hotel. His name and face were well known in the Cambridge and Boston surrounding area and many would stop to listen when he played. He was also the band director for local area groups and a member of the ELKS Lodge in Cambridge. He enjoyed travelling with his own band and playing for others. Bill produced many musical scores and was a great all around musician. He believed in hard work with endurance. His favorite words were “Set a goal and practice, practice, practice without short cuts.” Bill believed that music can bring joy and peace to all of us.
Later in life Bill was also a producer of a TV show at Cambridge Community Television and received an award for producer of the year. He and his friend and Co-Host Shy did many shows and performed comedy skits. Bill played a variety of instruments during his show with soothing music and gave free music lessons. He had many guests who focused on community issues, problem solving and making people laugh.
Bill will be dearly missed by a multitude of family and friends. He had a sweet way about him and family held a huge place in his heart. He continued the tradition of his parent’s Andy and Bernice Robinson Sr., where family was always of the utmost importance. He was instrumental in putting together family events and celebrations. He always kept in touch by calling or stopping in for a visit. Bill had a way of connecting with you. He had a positive impact on many people. He was always smiling & laughing, and had a kind word, joke, some pleasant conversation, or a story to tell. He was all about keeping family connected and loved everyone dearly! He was someone you could easily open up and talk to. He was a great friend who was there for you no matter what and made you feel special, valued, and loved.
Bill was also a member of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge. In his spirit of gathering, a family prayer line was organized in his honor and once again he has played a major role in family gathering together. The prayer line will continue in his honor. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Andy and Bernice Robinson Sr., siblings Andy Robinson Jr., Charles Robinson, Jacky Robinson, and Aundrie Robinson. Bill is survived by children Kyra and Andy (their late mother Lila) and his sister Rose Ann, brother Tyrone (Renee), sister Patricia (Newmon), sister in law Carolyn, Aunt Ann and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Bill will be truly missed by all. Bill we love you and your spirit lives on.