This CD, which I obtained from a local "oldies" store has some strange aspects - The CD itself shows the number SCD-6000, but the printed matter in the "clamshell" give the number as ACD-8000. The CD is imprinted with a "Spark" logo, but Spark was sold to Atlantic by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1955, so the label itself is defunct. The text inside the accompanying leaflet barely mentions the Robins, but gives considrable info about the better-known Robins spinoff group, the Coasters. There is no information as to the real source of the CD - leading me to believe that it is a "bootleg."
The original Robins, who first recorded for the Aladdin label in 1949, were Ty Terrell (tenor), Billy Richards (bass), Roy Richards (baritone), and Bobby Nunn (bass). By the end of 1949, they were recording for the Savoy label, moved to the Recorded In Hollywood label in 1951 (also cutting simultaneously for the RPM label as the Nic-Nacs), and then went to the Modern label for a brief period. The group moved to RCA in 1953, cut a few sides for the Crown label in 1954, and finally wound up on Spark in late 1954.
By the time they signed with Spark, Carl Gardner and Grady Chapman had been added to the group, making it a sextet.
This CD has the complete output of the Robins on the RCA, Crown, and Spark labels.
As mentioned above, Spark was sold to Atlantic, for release on the Atco subsidiary, in late 1955. Ths caused a split in the Robins, with Gardner and Nunn moving east to become the core of Coasters on Atco, while the remainder of the group added a new member and signed with Gene Norman's Whippet label, continuing as the Robins.
A worthwhile series of West Coast early-to-mid 1950s R&B performances by a talented group. The quality of this CD is good, and it's worth acquiring, if you can find it.
A good article about the Robins can be found on John Charles Marion's Website.
Track Listing:
1. A Fool Such As I (RCA Victor #5175) - Feb 1953
2. My Heart's the Biggest Fool (RCA Victor #5175) - Feb 1953
3. I'll Do It (RCA Victor #5486) - Oct 1953
4. All Night Baby (RCA Victor #5271) - Apr 1953
5. Oh Why (RCA Victor #5271) - Apr 1953
6. Let's Go To The Dance (RCA Victor #5434) - Jun 1953
7. How Would You Know (RCA Victor #5434) - Jun 1953
8. My Baby Done Told Me (RCA Victor #5486) - Oct 1953
9. Ten Days In Jail (RCA Victor #5489) - Oct 1953
10. Empty Bottles (RCA Victor #5489) - Oct 1953
11. Don't Stop Now (RCA Victor #5564) - Dec 1953
12. Get It Off Your Mind (RCA Victor #5564) - Dec 1953
13. Double Crossin' Baby (Crown #106) - Feb 1954
14. I Made A Vow (Crown #106) - Feb 1954
15. Key To My Heart (Crown #120) - 1954
16. All I Do Is Rock (Crown #120) - 1954
17. Riot In Cell Block # 9 (Spark #103) - Jun 1954
18. Wrap It Up (Spark #103) - Jun 1954
19. Loop De Loop Mambo (Spark #107) - Oct 1954
20. Framed (Spark #107) - Oct 1954
21. If Teardrops Were Kisses (Spark #110) - Feb 1955
22. Whadaya Want (Spark #110) - Feb 1955
23. I Love Paris (Spark #113) - Apr 1955
24. One Kiss (Spark #113) - Apr 1955
25. I Must Be Dreaming (Spark #116) - Jun 1955
26. The Hatchet Man (Spark #116) - Jun 1955
27. Just Like A Fool (Spark #122) - Aug 1955
28. Smokey Joe's Cafe (Spark #122) - Aug 1955
