Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 2, 1910 in Seattle, WA

Death

:

1991 in Seattle, WA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Earl Robinson was an American composer, songwriter, and singer who was born on July 2, 1910, in Seattle, Washington. He was the son of a Methodist minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Robinson began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Robinson attended the University of Washington, where he studied music and played in the school's jazz band. He also began composing music during this time, and his early works were influenced by jazz and blues. After graduating from college, Robinson moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the 1930s, Robinson became involved in left-wing politics and began writing songs that reflected his political beliefs. He was a member of the Communist Party and wrote songs for various left-wing organizations, including the International Workers Order and the American Youth Congress. Robinson's political activism would play a significant role in his music throughout his career. One of Robinson's most famous songs is "The House I Live In," which he wrote in 1942. The song was originally written for a short film of the same name, which starred Frank Sinatra. The film was a patriotic message about the importance of tolerance and acceptance, and Robinson's song became an anthem for the civil rights movement. The song's lyrics include the lines, "The house I live in, a plot of earth, a street, the grocer and the butcher, or the people that I meet." Robinson's other notable works include "Ballad for Americans," which he wrote in 1939. The song was a tribute to the American people and their struggles, and it became a popular anthem during World War II. Robinson also wrote the music for the 1955 Broadway musical "The First Gentleman," which starred Ingrid Bergman. In addition to his work as a composer, Robinson was also a singer and performer. He recorded several albums of his own music, including "The House I Live In" and "Ballad for Americans." Robinson's voice was deep and resonant, and he was known for his powerful performances. Robinson continued to be involved in left-wing politics throughout his life, and his music reflected his beliefs. He wrote songs about labor rights, civil rights, and peace, and he was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War. Robinson's political activism often put him at odds with the government, and he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Despite the challenges he faced, Robinson continued to write and perform music throughout his life. He died on July 20, 1991, in New York City, at the age of 81. Robinson's legacy as a composer and political activist continues to inspire musicians and activists today.

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