Sugar Chile Robinson - Numbers Boogie (1951)

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Published 2019-10-10

Born Frankie Robinson in Detroit, the youngest of seven children born to Clarence and Elizabeth Robinson. He was nicknamed "Sugar Chile" by his mother. Although neither parent was a musician, Frankie began playing piano by ear at the age of two. At the age of three, he won a talent show at the Paradise Theatre in Detroit. By six, he was playing guest shots with Lionel Hampton's band and the Frankie Carle Orchestra. In 1946, he made a cameo in the Van Johnson film "No Leave, No Love" performing "Caldonia". In March 1946, Robinson performed at a gala in Washington DC for President Truman. He played four numbers including "Caldonia" during which he shouted out, "How'm I Doin', Mr President?" This became a popular catch-phrase. In 1947, he was the subject of a seven-minute film entitled "Frankie 'Sugar Chile' Robinson." In 1949, Robinson made his first recordings for the Capitol label. His first two releases were "Numbers Boogie", which made it to number four on the Billboard R&B charts, and "Caldonia" which reached number 14. Robinson toured and recorded until 1952, when he requested that he be allowed to return to school. He graduated from Northern High School at age 15. He went on to attend Olivet College in Michigan, and graduated with a degree in psychology in 1960.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Joanne King

Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.

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All Comments (21)

@AndrewPena94 3 years ago

This kid has more talent and class than most adults today
@anonimothy5979 1 year ago

And he's still alive (in his 80's). He deserves more recognition while he's still around.
@michaeljacobs1186 6 months ago

I drive for Uber in the Detroit Metro area and I picked him and his niece up from Troy, MI tonight. We talked about his time on the road as a child performer, his later work, how he taught himself piano at such a young age, and his 6 siblings. Great guy
@showtibrwnsuga 2 years ago

These are the people who should be honored in African American history. A shame he is virtually unheard of in 2022
@johngillians1027 4 years ago

Whoever gave this a thumbs down needs some love, friends a hug or something. This kid was a musical a prodigy. Beautiful and rare to behold
@lisawillis8044 1 year ago

Insane talent. You saw that elbow tap????? Man where are these kids now
@SpacemanXC 11 days ago

Couldn't imagine American music without this young genius. What a gift!
@rayburton4867 2 years ago

This little guy was seriously gifted! He definitely had an old soul inside him! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
@paanne1013 1 month ago

I wasn't expecting that voice to come out of that cute little child! What a talented kid. I just looked him up, he is still alive at the age of 85! This is what I love about YouTube, finding treasures like this. Thank you to who ever posted this.
@Riogi 4 years ago

Frank Isaac Robinson, known as Sugar Chile Robinson, was so adorable and talented! He was born in 1938 and will turn 81 on December 28, 2019. All blessings to this amazing soul. :).
@almartin4284 3 months ago

This little boy is awesome !!! I wish I had known about him sooner. I am in my 70's and I absolutely love this music. But even more I love this artist.
@rustinal2010 2 years ago

Wow...some people are just born with the gift of rhythm...buried deep within their soul...
@cosmai23 4 years ago

Coolest damn thing I've ever seen. The ring is a nice touch.
@d_exiled_1arisen385 3 months ago

How are they just sitting there?! I can't sit still listening to this now. 🇵🇷✊🏾🇦🇬
@423soulja2 3 years ago

History is so dope mane. Respect to the legend.
@bryaneddy5272 3 years ago

This kid rules. Played for Truman, then played for Obama 70 years later. Has a voice on him like a hurricane and plays the piano like a maniac. I'm so glad I found this!
@mizrelmizrel 4 years ago

I live in Detroit and I know Mr "Suger Chile"Robinson. I'm gonna show him this share😍
@pafree4402 9 months ago

Seriously where do you see not taught but natural God given talent so young, amazing! Just simply amazing.
@callycharles2515 1 month ago

I'm so glad this came up in my feed. What an incredible talent, he blew my socks off!
@kemalesilvera6107 3 years ago

The elbow play and keys slap was simply amazing, I 💘 it man.