Robert Banks (musician)
Rob Banks | |
---|---|
Born | February 3, 1930 |
Instrument | Keyboards |
Labels | Glowhill, Altone |
Rob Banks (born February 3, 1930) is an American pianist, organist and composer. The artists he has worked with include Solomon Burke and Lu Elliott.
Background
[edit]Banks was discovered by Horace Sims, a guitarist who took him on the road with his band El Tempo.[1]
Career
[edit]1950s
[edit]In 1954, his recording of "Mambo Blues" appeared on the B side of a Johnny Otis Orchestra single "Mambo Boogie". It was released on the Savoy label.[2] In 1956, the Robert Banks Trio did a cover of the Glenn Miller theme, "Moonlight Serenade", released on the Regent label.[3] In October 1957, banks and Hal Rollins recorded some tracks for Newark's Glowhill label.[4] The single that Banks recorded was "On The Street Where You Live" which was backed with "Destination", a frenzied type of instrumental.[5]
1960s
[edit]During the 1960s, he worked with Solomon Burke.[6] He also arranged and conducted both sides of the Willie Hightower single For "Sentimental Reasons" / "You Send Me", released on Capitol.[7][8]
Banks arranged the song "Help Me" that was released on Wand Records WND 1135 in 1966. It was credited to a singer by the name of Al Wilson. But the singer is not the same Al Wilson who recorded "The Snake".[9][10][11]
1970s
[edit]He produced the Myrna Summers & The Interdenominational Singers Tell It Like It Is album that was released by 1970.[12]
1980s
[edit]In 1981, he was part of a duo consisting of himself on piano and bassist Jimmy Lewis, backing singer Lu Elliott at The Cookery at East Eighth Street at University Place in New York.[13]
Rob Banks discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]- "Moonlight Serenade" / "Sentimental Journey" - Regent 7501 - (1956)[14][15]
- "Smile" / "A Mighty Good Way" - Verve VK-10545 - (1967)[16]
Albums
[edit]- Record LP
- The Message - Verve V-5016 - (1967)[17]
- 8-Track Cartridge
- Rob Banks - Theme from the Godfather - Altone 1973[18]
- Rob Banks, Soulmate Singers - Theme from Isaac Hayes' Shaft (Shaft/Jesus Christ Superstar) - Altone 1974[19]
Other discography
[edit]With Mildred Anderson
- No More in Life (Bluesville, 1961)
With the Johnny Otis Orchestra featuring Goucho and His Jungle Drums
- "Mambo Boogie" / Rob Banks And The Waileros - "Mambo Blues" - Savoy 45-1132 - (1954)[20]
With Shakey Jake
- Mouth Harp Blues (Bluesville, 1961)
With Curtis Jones
- Trouble Blues (Bluesville, 1960)
With Sunnyland Slim
- Slim's Shout (Bluesville, 1961)
With Al Smith
- Midnight Special (Bluesville, 1961)
With Roosevelt Sykes
- The Honeydripper (Bluesville, 1961)
References
[edit]- ^ Swing City: Newark Nightlife, 1925-50 Barbara J. Kukla Page 187
- ^ The Billboard July 3, 1954 Page 24 Reviews of New R&B Records
- ^ The Billboard May 5, 1956 Page 51 Reviews of New R&B Records
- ^ The Billboard November 4, 1957 Page 22 On The Beat by Ben Grevatt
- ^ The Billboard October 28, 1957 Page 64 R&B Disk Jockey Programming
- ^ Artist Direct Solomon Burke, Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke
- ^ Soul Detective Willie Hightower, CAPITOL 5916A
- ^ 45Cat Willie Hightower - Discography
- ^ 45Cat Artist: Al Wilson (New York)
- ^ Soul Express Al Wilson Discography
- ^ Soulful Detroit Al Wilson Vs. Al Wilson
- ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography, Production
- ^ New York Times March 22, 1981 Arts, CABARET: LU ELLIOTT AT COOKERY By John S. Wilson
- ^ jaymar41 Regent Records ©1999written and compiled by JCMarion
- ^ The Billboard August 4, 1956 Page 74 Reviews of New Pop Records
- ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography
- ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography
- ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography
- ^ 45worlds Robert Banks - Tape Media - Discography
- ^ 45Cat Robert Banks And The Waileros - Discography