Ed Robinson is a throwback to the days when artists respected other artists. Competition, if any, was healthy.
So, as he celebrates his 60th birthday, the Dubplate King reflects on the vocal performances and drum patterns that still get his blood pumping.
His career started as a 14 year-old drummer, with career highlights being his reggae cover of Bob Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door", signing to MCA Records and meeting one of music's great talents.
"The night I met one of my greatest rock heroes of all times --- Prince, the king of Rock!" he exclaimed.
Ed met the Purple One at Grand Slam, a club Prince owned in California.
"I was invited to Prince's live performance by Warner Bros (a pre-arranged backstage setup to meet him) when I was signed to MCA Records," he recalled.
As for "Knocking on Heaven's Door", he wasn't keen on recording the song initially. Released by VP Records in 1992, it remains his signature hit.
"The idea to cover this song was Stanley Chin's. The success did surprise me because I didn't like the song at first," said Ed.
The jocular artist celebrates his 'Earthstrong' on June 13 at Valencia's in Margate. Go help him celebrate the special occasion.
Ed Robinson's favorite reggae drum patterns
1. Jacob Miller --- All Night Till Day Light
2. Dennis Brown --- Sitting and Watching
3. Steel Pulse --- Stepping Out
4. Bob Marley --- Natural Mystic
5. Dennis Brown --- Your Man
Favorite reggae vocal performances
1. Bob Marley --- Zimbabwe
2. Dennis Brown --- Love and Hate
3. Stephen Marley --- No cigarette smoking
4. Alton Ellis --- Black Man's World
5. Jacob Miller --- Mixed Up Moods
Written By Howard Campbell