John “JR” Robinson: Still Driving the Groove After Six Decades in the Pocket

New York Wire Contributor

By: Daniel Reaves

In a music industry known for rapid evolution and fleeting fame, John “JR” Robinson stands as a testament to endurance, artistry, and innovation. Known as the most recorded drummer in history, Robinson’s stick work has shaped the pulse of modern pop, R&B, and funk for over six decades. His rhythms are behind some of the biggest hits in music history—Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You,” Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” and dozens more. Now, in King of the Groove: How One Dream Transformed into 60 Years of Making Legendary Music, Robinson reflects on the arc of a legendary career that’s far from over.

More than just a memoir, King of the Groove is a deeply personal masterclass in dedication, passion, and evolution. Co-authored with Allison Mang and Ralph Benmergui, the book traces Robinson’s journey from a small-town boy in Creston, Iowa, to a sought-after session drummer for leading producers in the music industry.Along the way, Robinson opens up about the joys and pressures of high-stakes studio work, the sacrifices made to maintain a high level of excellence, and the deep love of rhythm that still propels him forward.

In an exclusive interview, Robinson expanded on two key themes from the book: what keeps him inspired after more than 60 years behind the kit, and where he finds creative fuel for his prolific songwriting and scoring career.

Still in the Game—By Choice

“Why would I stop?” Robinson says with a laugh, when asked about retirement. “What I do doesn’t feel like work in the traditional sense. When you’re doing what you love, why would you ever want to stop?”

Robinson is adamant that passion, not obligation, drives his continuous output. “In my Coach’s Corner, I write, ‘Don’t ever allow yourself to retire from what you love doing. No matter what your age is.’” That quote sums up the energy with which he approaches every tour, every recording session, and every new musical collaboration.

And it’s not just nostalgia keeping him tethered to the drum throne. Robinson sees each project as a new opportunity to innovate. “Working with different generations of musicians challenges me to stay current and keep growing,” he says, noting that younger collaborators like Mitch Towne and continued partnerships with legends like David Foster keep him on his toes.

His health hasn’t always cooperated—he battled a bout of shingles and even broke his tibia while beta-testing a new foot pedal—but Robinson takes these hurdles as part of the journey. “The drive to create and perform has been stronger than any physical setback,” he says.

A Listener First, a Player Second

When it comes to creating new music, Robinson’s philosophy is as grounded as it is expansive: listen deeply. “I’ve trained my ears throughout my entire career,” he says. “I spend over 50 percent of my time listening to music of all kinds. That constant intake of diverse sounds creates a rich internal library I can draw from.”

That listening is evident in his genre-spanning body of work. Whether he’s writing jazz compositions, contributing to rock albums, or scoring documentary films, Robinson pulls from a vast reservoir of experience. Albums like Funkshui reflect the soulful, syncopated influence of artists like Rufus and Chaka Khan, filtered through Robinson’s unique lens. He also speaks fondly of his work with Citizen Gain—his rock/soul band with Dave Delhomme, Tariqh Akoni, and Jason Scheff—which he describes as a space for authentic, organic collaboration.

Much of Robinson’s compositional style also harks back to his Midwestern roots. “Growing up in Creston, Iowa, with those vast skies and rolling hills, instilled in me a sense of space and rhythm,” he says. “I often think back to lying in bed as a child, hearing the cadence of rail cars driving through the night. That rhythm planted itself deep inside me.”

His work scoring documentary films, including If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast, shows another side of his artistry—empathy. “The emotional content of the film guides the musical choices,” Robinson explains. “You have to feel what the story needs, and then support it musically without overwhelming it.”

Evolving With Purpose

Throughout the interview and the book, a key theme emerges: evolution. “As I say in the book, ‘Success is not about what you have; it is about who you have become,’” Robinson says. And he’s still becoming. “I don’t feel like I’ve reached the end of my creative journey—far from it.”

Legacy matters to him, but not in a self-congratulatory way. It’s about contributing to a body of work that inspires others and leaves a meaningful imprint. Through his foundation, mentorship, and this book, Robinson hopes to pass on not just skills, but wisdom—about listening, collaboration, and above all, staying connected to your creative spark.

King of the Groove is a book for musicians, certainly, but also for anyone seeking longevity in a fast-moving world. It’s about loving what you do so fiercely that you can’t imagine stepping away from it. It’s about constantly learning, even when you’re already a master. And it’s a vibrant reminder that groove, like life, is all about momentum—so long as you keep playing.