Iowan native, Grammy winning drummer John JR Robinson, celebrates 50 years of music making. John JR’s world-renowned versatility and groove have made him one of the most prolific and sought-after drummers in the industry whose musicianship has helped define the pop, R&B, and jazz era for the last half century. No one will forget JR’s landmark fill which introduces the iconic smash hit, “Rock With You,” from Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall (an essential piece of pop music history) or his acrobatic, finessed touch that launches Steve Winwood’s No. 1 hit, “Higher Love” from Back in the High Life.

With 30 No.1 all-time hit records, 10,000 recording sessions for albums, movie and TV soundtracks, JR has joined the exclusive ranks as the most recorded drummer in history. His signature ‘groove’ played a part in over 60 Grammy winning records, over 200 Billboard Hot 100 songs as well as more than ½ billion units sold, earning him a permanent spot in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “The Top 100 Drummers of All Time” list. 

John JR Robinson's illustrious career was built by working with some of the greatest minds and artists in music history including; the quintessential producer Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, Peter Frampton, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Daft Punk, Madonna, Lionel Richie, The Pointer Sisters, Stevie Nicks, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, David Foster, Steve Winwood, John Fogerty, David Lee Roth, Herbie Hancock, Toby Keith, Clint Black, Eric Clapton, Brothers Johnson, Marvin Hamlisch and Barbra Streisand, plus a dictionary-sized list of other legendary musicians and music leaders, all of whom specifically requested JR to add his ‘signature groove’ to their genius.