In the last few days quite a few people have sent me emails that include a video of a boy playing astounding boogie and the claim that he is a young Little Richard. To give credit where it is due, this video is actually of Frank “SugarChile” Robinson. Frank was born in Detroit and was mentored by Lionel Hampton, with whom he performed at the Paradise theater and on the radio.

New Caledonia from the film, No Leave, No Love 

Frank was a true prodigy. His father recalled:
Sugar Chile was just able to walk when he started thumpin’ the piano. When he was about two, a friend of mine came over one evenin’. We just sittin’ around and he says to Sugar Chile, `Here’s a nickel, go play me a piece on the piano.’ We figured Sugar Chile would just slide his hands along the keys and then run for that money. Doggone it if that kid didn’t thump out `Tuxedo Junction’… (Dave Penny)

Young Frank with Count Basie

At the age of 8, Frank played for President Truman and his shout, How am I doin’ Mr. President? forever became part of his show. He was given special permission under the child labor laws to become a member of The American Federation of Musicians and record at the age of 11. Frank gave up touring in 1956 to focus on continuing his education at the college level. He earned degrees in history and psychology, and later, a PhD in Psychology from the University of Michigan.

I had to make a decision about whether to keep entertaining or to get an education. And that’s what I did. (IMDB)

Numbers Boogie

Frank toured the world with the greats of jazz. He had a cameo in the movie, No Leave, No Love and his recordings made it to the top of the billboard charts. He was instrumental in starting local Detroit record labels and opened his own studio there. His recording of  Go Boy Go was used in a commercial for Dockers. He is still going strong at the age of 77.

When I was a teen my Dad dearly wanted me to play Boogie-Woogie. He took me to the music store and bought me any sheets that I wanted. I struggled valiantly but was never able to play the pieces freely enough for them to sound like anything. I could not play with abandon and joy, no matter how much I wanted to, and my renditions sounded labored and stiff no matter what sounds were in my ears.

Newsreel footage of Frank

I love the sense of total abandon and joy in Frank’s playing. His fingers do what they have to to create the sounds in his head. He even uses his whole fist at times. But then, what young boogie prodigy worth his salt wouldn’t?

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