By: Brooke Halstead
For anyone passionate about music—or interested in understanding what it takes to build and maintain a successful career at the top of the entertainment world—King of the Groove: How One Dream Transformed into 60 Years of Making Legendary Music offers valuable insight. Co-authored by John “JR” Robinson, Allison Mang, and Ralph Benmergui, the book traces Robinson’s journey from a small-town child with a dream to one of the most recorded drummers in music history.
With his name attached to over 50 Grammy-winning tracks, more than 200 Billboard Hot 100 hits, and contributions to half a billion units sold, Robinson’s impact on modern music is significant. From his iconic drum fill on Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” to his work on “We Are the World,” Daft Punk, Barbra Streisand, Peter Frampton, and many others, Robinson brings readers into the heart of the creative process, sharing behind-the-scenes stories with humor, humility, and wisdom gained over decades of experience.
Yet the most powerful part of the book isn’t just the impressive list of collaborations—it’s Robinson’s dedication to educating the next generation. In an exclusive interview, Robinson shares ten practical steps for young musicians and aspiring entertainment professionals, offering advice based on years of experience at the top.
1. Master Your Craft Fundamentals
Robinson credits his success to relentless technical discipline. Under mentor Ed Soph, he honed his bass drum technique, ultimately perfecting what became his signature “Money Foot.” Robinson emphasizes that mastering foundational skills like rudiments, sight reading, and harmony knowledge—often aided by piano studies—is essential for long-term adaptability.
2. Play with Everyone You Can
“Don’t isolate yourself,” Robinson advises. From jamming with neighborhood kids to encouraging his own son, Jack, to collaborate with as many musicians as possible, Robinson believes that exposure to different playing styles—and even different gear—is key to developing musical flexibility and instincts.
3. Build Lasting Relationships
Robinson is clear about this: the music industry is built on relationships. His pivotal collaboration with Quincy Jones began with just a single meeting. “No one can afford to burn a bridge in business,” Robinson warns, a principle he’s followed throughout his career.
4. Develop Versatility
From jazz to R&B to pop, Robinson studied the greats across genres—Billy Cobham, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd—to develop his own style. His ability to blend seamlessly with a wide range of artists has been critical to his longevity.
5. Show Up Prepared
“Always be the first in the studio,” he suggests. This preparation paid off when Quincy Jones asked Robinson, on the spot, to create the iconic intro fill for “Rock With You.” Confidence, Robinson explains, comes from doing the work in advance.
6. Value Yourself
Not every contribution gets recognized, Robinson notes. He recalls a jam with some of the top session players of the era that later became the track “The Secret Garden”—without credit. Sometimes you push for recognition, sometimes you preserve the relationship. Wisdom, Robinson says, is knowing the difference.
7. Maintain a Relentless Work Ethic
His big break with Quincy Jones? It came after staying late when everyone else had gone home. “What are you doing Monday?” Quincy asked him. Robinson’s dedication and drive made him the go-to player for countless sessions.
8. Adapt to Industry Changes
When drum machines became popular in the ’80s, Robinson didn’t resist the change—he learned how to program them. On “The Way You Make Me Feel,” he combined electronic percussion with live drums, showing how tradition and innovation can work together.
9. Develop Your Unique Style
Robinson’s signature rhythmic equation—Time + Feel + Emotion = Style—wasn’t just something he theorized. His method of placing the snare just milliseconds behind the beat gives his playing a groove that’s unmistakably his.
10. Stay Hungry and Humble
“Approach each session as a student,” Robinson says. Even when challenged by icons like Ray Charles, Robinson took the opportunity to learn. “Fall in love with what you’re doing,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning.
One Lesson Learned Too Late
When asked what he wished he’d known earlier, Robinson reflects on a moment of personal growth. Early in his studio career, he took pride in nailing tracks in one take. But a conversation with guitarist Dean Parks shifted his perspective. Parks reminded him that others in the room—vocalists, producers, fellow musicians—might still be looking for their perfect take.
This conversation reshaped Robinson’s approach to studio work. Rather than rushing to complete a session, he began to see it as a collaborative process, where patience and presence were as vital as precision.
He recounts a tough session with Bob Seger, where they recorded 25 takes per song, something that would have once frustrated him. But with time, Robinson learned to stay grounded, adapt, and serve the music, not just his own ego.
The Beat Goes On
King of the Groove is more than just a collection of studio stories. It’s a generous offering from a man who has played with the best and still approaches each session as if he has everything to prove. Part memoir, part motivational guide, the book delivers a rare combination of humility, humor, and hard-earned wisdom that will resonate with musicians, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike.
Whether you’re a session drummer, a singer-songwriter, or a music executive navigating an evolving industry, John “JR” Robinson’s message is clear: show up, stay ready, keep growing—and always respect the groove.
Available Now: King of the Groove is available in paperback, audiobook, and Kindle editions on Amazon and other major retailers.
