From these first two albums, “Rockie Robbins” (1979) and “You And Me” (1980) we hear his
masterful voice combined with musicians, arrangements and productions from a special era of soul
music excellence. On his debut there are arrangements and productions by Richard Evans (Natalie
Cole, Peabo Bryson, Marlena Shaw, Linda Williams) and Johnny Pate (The Impressions, B.B. King,
Betty Everett). Singles were the self-penned “If I Ever Lose You” and the Earth Wind & Fire cover “Be
Ever Wonderful”, the latter making the US R&B charts in 1979. The album came out despite the
original recordings being accidentally erased meaning the whole project had to be started again from
scratch. Over half the songs were penned by Rockie himself, “I Can Hardly Wait” written especially by
Skip Scarborough with Wanda Hutchinson of The Emotions. The re-recording was a success and has
left a lasting impact on fans.
From his “You And Me” album, the title track became a signature song and Rockie’s biggest hit
single. It was produced by Bobby Martin (PIR Records, The Manhattans, L.T.D.). It reached the US
R&B Top 10 and stayed on that chart for over five months. The album included songs composed by
Sam Dees, Larry Graham, Leon Ware, Zane Grey and Allee Willis, the latter in collaboration with
Robbins himself from the same period she co-wrote “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” for Earth
Wind & Fire.