By: Miles Granger

In King of the Groove: How One Dream Transformed into 60 Years of Making Legendary Music, John “JR” Robinson opens the door to a life lived on the beat—and beyond it. Robinson is widely recognized as one of the most recorded drummers in history, with an impressive resume that includes over 50 Grammy-winning tracks, more than 200 Billboard Hot 100 hits, and collaborations with music royalty like Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, and Daft Punk. But his memoir, co-authored with Allison Mang and Ralph Benmergui, is not just a backstage pass into the music industry—it’s a masterclass in longevity, humility, and creativity.
The book blends behind-the-scenes anecdotes with hard-earned wisdom, offering a deeply personal reflection on six decades of musical evolution. In a recent series of interviews, Robinson delves into the book’s most compelling themes, offering practical insights for emerging artists and heartfelt reflections on the mentors and moments that shaped his path.

Craft Before Stardom

“Master your craft fundamentals,” Robinson says, “I can’t stress this enough.” He traces his first major turning point to studying under Ed Soph, who helped rebuild his bass drum technique from the ground up, laying the foundation for what Robinson famously calls “The Money Foot.” His focus on fundamentals—reading music, understanding piano harmony, and practicing rudiments—became the bedrock of a career that has spanned nearly every genre.

While the world may recognize Robinson for his work on tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and Rufus’ “Ain’t Nobody,” Robinson credits his relentless, focused practice as the core driver of his success. “Don’t shortcut the basics,” he advises.

Relationships: The Invisible Groove

Robinson is quick to point out that in music, as in life, technical skills will only take you so far. “This business runs on relationships,” he explains, sharing the story of his first encounter with Quincy Jones at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion—an introduction that led to a lifetime of collaboration. The theme of emotional intelligence and professional respect runs through both his book and interviews: “No one can afford to burn a bridge in this business,” he writes.

His deep respect for mentors, particularly Quincy Jones, is evident. Jones wasn’t just a collaborator—he became a “surrogate father,” a trusted guide in both music and life. Rod Temperton, guitarist Dean Parks, and his own father, John Herbert Robinson, also rank among his most profound influences. Each taught him lessons that went beyond the studio, shaping how Robinson listens, adapts, and leads.

Style as Signature

One of Robinson’s most enlightening concepts is his formula for musical identity: Time + Feel + Emotion = Style. His signature sound comes from a subtle manipulation of microtiming—placing the bass drum squarely on the beat while allowing the snare to lag just a few milliseconds behind. This creates a laid-back groove that feels effortless yet is meticulously crafted. “Find what makes you special,” he urges. “Refine it until it’s unmistakable.”

But that doesn’t mean getting stuck. Throughout the book and interviews, Robinson emphasizes versatility—studying a variety of drummers early on (from Billy Cobham to Steve Gadd), adjusting drum kits based on each artist’s needs, and even embracing drum machines in the ’80s instead of resisting them.

The Humble Hustle

Behind Robinson’s extensive list of credits lies a relentless work ethic. When he got his first call from Quincy Jones, he had already cut two songs and was still at the drum kit when everyone else had left. “That work ethic,” he says simply, “is why I became the most recorded drummer in history.”

But it’s not just about hard work—it’s about patience. One of his biggest revelations came later in his career when he realized that getting everything in one take wasn’t always the goal. Thanks to a conversation with Dean Parks, Robinson learned to value the process over the product. “Do as many takes as they ask you to do,” Parks told him. “That’s your job, JR.”

It was a humbling moment, especially for a musician known for his speed and efficiency. “I wasn’t considering that the guitar player or vocalist might not be ready yet,” Robinson admits. “Just because I had interpreted the song didn’t mean everyone else had.”

Creativity in Motion

For Robinson, creative growth doesn’t end with experience—it evolves through curiosity. He listens to all kinds of music, continually expanding his musical palette, and pushes into new territory through side projects like SRT (a jazz-fusion band) and Citizen Gain (a rock/soul hybrid). “Spending over 50 percent of your time listening to music is key to growth,” he explains.

He also values collaboration as a key creative tool. “Bouncing ideas off one another creates unity and controversy—opposing forces that are essential in any true artistic endeavor.”

Perhaps most importantly, Robinson stays teachable. Even after decades of accolades, he approaches each session as a student. Working with Ray Charles, for example, meant having his timing questioned—an experience that reminded him to “check your ego and keep learning.”

Final Notes

In King of the Groove, Robinson doesn’t just recount a remarkable career—he distills it into principles that apply well beyond the drum throne: integrity, discipline, empathy, and adaptability. He teaches that greatness isn’t just about what you play—it’s about how you listen, how you lead, and how you grow.

Whether you’re a young musician looking to make your mark or a seasoned pro seeking inspiration, Robinson’s life story offers more than industry gossip or technical talk. It’s a human story—told in rhythm, groove, and grace.

As Robinson writes, “Make it a priority to fall in love with what you are doing with your life.” He has—and we’re all better for it.

Available Now:

King of the Groove is available in paperback, audiobook, and Kindle editions on Amazon, and other major retailers.