‘When he sat down at that piano it was magic’: Iconic Vancouver deejay remembers Little Richard
Posted May 9, 2020 7:06 pm.
Last Updated May 9, 2020 7:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Tributes are pouring in across the globe for legendary musician Little Richard, who passed away Saturday at the age of 87.
Vancouver rock radio icon, Red Robinson joined the chorus Saturday morning.
Robinson tells NEWS 1130 he and Little Richard crossed paths many times.
“He came here many times, people don’t realize how often these performers came here,” Robinson says.
“What a hell of a player. When he sat down at that piano it was magic in his fingers, there’s no doubt about it. If you appreciate music of any kind you have to appreciate the artist playing it and he was phenomenal. I don’t think he ever had a lesson in his life, he did it by ear.”
The last time the two were in the same place was in 1995, at the opening ceremonies of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
“The last time I saw Richard was at the opening ceremonies for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. He was one of the guys who held on to the pair of scissors and cut the ribbon and I have a piece of that ribbon with me,” Robinson says, adding the souvenir is one of his prized possessions.
He says Little’s Richard’s passing is the end of an era.
“As I get older I realize that my contemporaries are saying goodbye, and who knows where they’re going,” he says chuckling.
“It is difficult, but what could be greater than watching him play the piano. That’s my memory. I can see it right now in my head.”
RELATED: Little Richard, founding father of rock, dies at 87
Many in the music and entertainment industries took to Twitter to pay tribute.
