John Frederick Robinson, known professionally as JR, is an American drummer and session musician who has been called "one of the most recorded drummers in history". He is known for his work with producer Quincy Jones, including Michael Jackson's multi-platinum Off the Wall album and the charity single "We Are the World". JR's drum fill kicks off Jackson's chart topper "Rock with You", and his drum solo opens the Steve Winwood album Back in the High Life (1986) to begin the number 1 song "Higher Love".
Robinson in 2017
JR in 1980 performing with Rufus
JR pictured with Yamaha drums in 1985. JR mixed his own monitors during live shows, using the Yamaha MC2404 mixer in the rear.
JR performing on David Foster's The Hitman Tour in Ottawa, 2019
Off the Wall is the fifth studio album by the American singer Michael Jackson, released on August 10, 1979, by Epic Records. It was Jackson's first album released through Epic Records, and the first produced by Quincy Jones, whom he met while working on the 1978 film The Wiz. Several critics observed that Off the Wall was crafted from disco, pop, funk, R&B, soft rock and Broadway ballads. Its lyrical themes include escapism, liberation, loneliness, hedonism and romance. The album features songwriting contributions from Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Rod Temperton, Tom Bahler, and David Foster, alongside three tracks penned by Jackson himself.
Off the Wall
Jackson in 1977
Quincy Jones (pictured in 2008) produced Off the Wall. This was the first of three successful collaborations with Jackson.
"Girlfriend" is a cover of the 1978 original by English rock band Wings, written by Paul McCartney.
