Robert Banks (musician)

Rob Banks
Born (1930-02-03) February 3, 1930 (age 94)
InstrumentKeyboards
LabelsGlowhill, 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

Banks was discovered by Horace Sims, a guitarist who took him on the road with his band El Tempo.[1]

Career

1950s

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

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

He produced the Myrna Summers & The Interdenominational Singers Tell It Like It Is album that was released by 1970.[12]

1980s

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

Singles

  • "Moonlight Serenade" / "Sentimental Journey" - Regent 7501 - (1956)[14][15]
  • "Smile" / "A Mighty Good Way" - Verve VK-10545 - (1967)[16]

Albums

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

With Mildred Anderson

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

With Curtis Jones

With Sunnyland Slim

With Al Smith

With Roosevelt Sykes

References

  1. ^ Swing City: Newark Nightlife, 1925-50 Barbara J. Kukla Page 187
  2. ^ The Billboard July 3, 1954 Page 24 Reviews of New R&B Records
  3. ^ The Billboard May 5, 1956 Page 51 Reviews of New R&B Records
  4. ^ The Billboard November 4, 1957 Page 22 On The Beat by Ben Grevatt
  5. ^ The Billboard October 28, 1957 Page 64 R&B Disk Jockey Programming
  6. ^ Artist Direct Solomon Burke, Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke
  7. ^ Soul Detective Willie Hightower, CAPITOL 5916A
  8. ^ 45Cat Willie Hightower - Discography
  9. ^ 45Cat Artist: Al Wilson (New York)
  10. ^ Soul Express Al Wilson Discography
  11. ^ Soulful Detroit Al Wilson Vs. Al Wilson
  12. ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography, Production
  13. ^ New York Times March 22, 1981 Arts, CABARET: LU ELLIOTT AT COOKERY By John S. Wilson
  14. ^ jaymar41 Regent Records ©1999written and compiled by JCMarion
  15. ^ The Billboard August 4, 1956 Page 74 Reviews of New Pop Records
  16. ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography
  17. ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography
  18. ^ Discogs Robert Banks Discography
  19. ^ 45worlds Robert Banks - Tape Media - Discography
  20. ^ 45Cat Robert Banks And The Waileros - Discography