Frank "Sugar Chile" Robinson -- "No Leave, No Love" (Complete Scene)

Frank "Sugar Chile" Robinson performs "Caldonia" in the classic movie "No Leave, No Love" (MGM, 1946). Although this has already been posted on KZbin, I am including the entire scene, which has some cute dialogue between Frank and the other actors, Van Johnson, Keenan Wynn, and Marina Koshetz.
I have spoken fairly recently with Mr. Robinson, who said this was the only movie in which he appeared. What a crying shame! Thankfully, there are other films of him on KZbin. Robinson said he performed as a guest in a Frankie Carle piano contest in Detroit, where he was discovered and given a contract from MGM. Within only a few days was headed to Hollywood to make this movie. For more information, see Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_C...

[@TABBYMUSIC]

6 years old and already more talented than I’ll ever be.

[@think2086]

He graduated high school at 15 and became a psychologist.

[@KYNDALLJERNAI]

He was so cutee

[@rosemaryyui6350]

Believe it or not; it’s never too late to change that. I believe in you dawg

[@Eveyeve932]

Ain't that the truth SAMe here

[@Sampel2024]

You are right!

[@howardbroadnax8292]

It's really a shame when such talent goes unnoticed for so long. He's fantastic !

[@NB-sq7ui]

How was he unnoticed ? He was famous from a young age?

[@empire7179]

Back then he was very famous

[@mambojazz1]

He was very famous BUT he quit music a few years later and in college got degrees in history and psychology.

[@cherylsumler259]

Yes, I never heard of “Sugar” until I ran across this video and like many others thought he was little Richard at first looking at this video brings joy to my heart to see “Sugar” cute little face singing and playing the piano! He reminds me of my brother when he was that age and same short set my mom dressed my brother in. Love this video I watch it frequently to get my smile in from my heart ♥️

[@itsabovemenow1016]

He went unnoticed for so long because he was in scenes that could easily be removed from the movie without damaging the storyline. That was a common practice with black performers. Put them musical numbers that would be cut out for southern audiences.

[@Alleycat1921]

Frank "Sugar Chile" Robinson was born in Detroit. He first appeared in a Hollywood movie playing the piano when he was only 7 years old. He left the entertainment industry as a teenager in order to continue his education and eventually earned multiple college degrees, including a PhD. Later, he became a producer and an account executive at the nation's first black owned television station (WGPR - Detroit). At 82 years old, Frank Robinson occasionally makes public appearances to hit the keyboards.

[@lorriemamoet9406]

They shoukd invite him to a talk show. What an idol.

[@kiko632]

Great story thanks for sharing

[@bmoreblessed94]

So many child prodigy have a tragic story. Glad to hear he lived a long successful life

[@Alleycat1921]

Many years ago, my brother and I owned several coin laundries in Detroit. Our aunt also operated a dry cleaners with its own plant. As a result, the laundromats soon became drop-off locations for dry cleaning. In order to expand the business, we contacted a local black owned radio and television station (WHPR) regarding advertising. Frank Robinson was the account executive who came to one of our stores and produced the commercials. It wasn't until years later that we Iearned Dr. Robinson was a musical child prodigy, and an academic genius who earned a PhD from the University of Michigan before the age of 20. Mr. Robinson never mentioned anything to us about his background and history. It was strictly the business at hand of producing a high quality television commercial for our stores. It goes without saying that my brother and I were honored to meet such a legendary figure even if at the time we had no knowledge of his accomplishments.

[@scottleft3672]

"Mumma said SON...stay away from that woman....she''s no GOOD!" "Ah but mumma didn't know what Calidonia was puttin DOWN "... omg...that is just awsome.

[@forevrrich]

That same little boy would have been told he has to use a separate restroom and water fountain.

[@huckbarry579]

Absolutely brilliant!! So gifted I heard he is 83 years old today!!

[@meme3650w]

He is phenomenal. I love his music. Today is the first day that I have ever heard about him. All music appreciation classes should teach about his music

[@NoferTrunions]

I just learned about this phenom. But it ain't his playin', it's his killer vocals along with the playin.' Yes, he's a child playing as a child, but he is in total command and mastery of what he wants to do. Amazing.

[@tarnsand440]

He quit the music business in 1952 to continue his education.He graduated from 2 colleges..has a PhD in Psychology. He appeared at a music festival in England in his 60's as well as a special Detroit blues reunion a few years back. Frank was born raised in Detroit.

[@woodsofwindsor5116]

What a cute kid! He is still alive at 80!:)

[@jamaalisaac1735]

One of the best things I've ever seen.

[@suzannebryan1194]

True, so cute. I watch to be inspired. Bringing joy all these years later, adorable.

[@suzannebryan1194]

Very true, watch it whenever I am blue. It cheers me up so…

[@sunofsaramusic6579]

@@suzannebryan1194 Yes!

[@geoffjoffy]

When you have a musical talent like that at such a young age, you're set for life with this gift. Amazing.

[@debow671]

Jus adorable when he was a child

[@tarnsand440]

Frank joined The American Federation of Musicans in 1949 at age 12 and recorded his first record release at Capitol Records.. He still holds the record of being the earliest youngest to join.

[@michellemealey2569]

Beautiful boy and so talented melts my heart 😊

[@kelliecarter8376]

I can watch this over and over...I just love it.

[@severoque8802]

Me too !!!!!😍

[@shonuff1000]

Me too

[@howardbroadnax8292]

I have !

[@ruthannkizakavich3325]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@caelestii5295]

Where can I watch it? I can't find it anywhere!

[@TrevJ91]

“Momma didn’t know what Caldonia was putting down” Part always gets me 😂😂😂 what does a 6 year old know about what Caldonia is putting down LOL

[@endiaturner5688]

I was thinking the same damn thing!

[@msaintpc]

Louis Jordan's wife wrote the song, and the Robinsons were close family friends, so the kid was deeply influenced by the Jordans and often emulated Louis. But of course you're right, no way he could really know anything about that, but he learned plenty about it as an adult.....including all the heartaches that went with it.

[@waiifii22]

he thinks he's singing about food for sure

[@murjanipeterson9825]

RIGHT 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@amakuaole]

True that, true that!.

[@Dano27569]

The most impressive thing ill ever see in my life. A gift from god❤️🎵🙏. Incredible

[@matrox]

They say he was born already knowing how to play without any lessons, Jerry Lee Lewis was the same way, he sat down and he just started to play and all came natural with no lessons. I suspect they learned to play in another life and carried it over into this life.

[@msaintpc]

Man, Jerry Lee couldn't eat this kid's poo poo.

[@kevinpalmer9756]

If there is good evidence for reincarnation than young musical prodigies like this young fellow are definitely good candidates.

[@jalessabeebee4915]

His spirit been here before. He didnt need to learn

[@empire7179]

@@jalessabeebee4915 That happened to me the first time I bowl,, I hit 3 Strikes in a row.. and the first time I drove a car I got in and took off with no bowling or driving lessons.

[@sugardaddy4714]

Sorry, but no one just starts playing an instrument "naturally". If you heard that, it's a myth or a self-promotion story. He may not have had formal lessons, but he had to practice, play by ear. You just didn't see it. Kids can simply progress quickly and it's not like rock n' roll or blues piano is terribly complicated... Most musical prodigies are raised in musical families (Jerry Lee Lewis learned the piano from his cousins). No need to invoke reincarnation... (please...)

[@duckduckgoismuchbetter]

Awesome musician...for any age, but even more so for one so young! And what a charming smile!

[@jacquelinemanley8545]

What a gift from God this child was so talented at a young age he should have been rich never broke i wonder what happened to his money when he was young God bless him

[@pepperdog3761]

Best music I have ever heard.

[@Zatanna22]

Amazing and talented person!!! So many artists unknown in the world. So glad I found him!

[@Whatuniverse]

🤯Oh hell nawww.😖😳! He's playing keys with his wrist fist and all😂 a little genius ❤️

[@337993maya]

Just gorgeous....rare human being

[@NoLuvNdezeInnaNetStreetz]

Yes he was a beautiful boy 😍🥰

[@rubywoo_5.299]

Amazing 🔥🥰😇 talented, intelligent & well spoken little cutie pie ❤

[@msaintpc]

His first professional performance was at three years old. I know him, he and his family ate at my dad's nightclub on Shane Street every weekend in Detroit. When he made this movie I was in my mother's womb and was born a few days later in Laguna Beach, CA. Later on in life I and my cousin opened a famous clothing store on 8 Mile and Livernois in Detroit named "You and Your Lady Apparel", where he regularly came in and purchased clothing. He retired from show biz at eleven years old to attend the U of Michigan at Detroit to become a psychologist. He earned his Doctorate at just 18 years old. There were many black geniuses like this, however, in order to promote white supremacy they were always kept out of the media.

[@severoque8802]

Oôoooh this is sad.. ..because of the white😣😣 He was such a genious!!🙏💗💗

[@bam1760]

Thank you so very much for your person history knowing sugar chile robinson.. Continual blessings to him and well-being. well wishes to you too! albuq

[@howardbroadnax8292]

That's cool !! You and your family are very lucky to have experienced him up close and personal.

[@msaintpc]

@Paul C. True, formally known as the "Black Bottom".

[@KingSimonPresents]

Wow. I never heard of this brother and he is still alive according to Wikipedia

[@joannatorres88]

The only part that got on my nerves was him not letting him find his dad but other than that they were so sweet to him. He’s so precious I just love this video!!

[@mynameisyumyumgivemesum1412]

What?! You know its acting right? Cool your whitey hating jets

[@workingdee]

Lol, that bugged me too. But otherwise, it was delightful

[@taniabrewington9188]

Yes, the tone of it. I cringed a little. The not now, later.

[@alechall3302]

They lost me with that. They forced him to play rather then look for his dad

[@1etherealreality]

It's a movie. His dad shows up at the end of the song.

[@pamelahousel3147]

Fantastic! His life is a great story.God Bless people for helping him recently.

[@wishingyoublessings]

I remember hearing this song on the movie Lackawana Blues , and hearing this intelligent and talented young man play it at such a young age , is Amazing, true talent !!!

[@sky_in_May]

지금은 여든 넘은 어르신이 된 Frank Sugar Chile Robinson!!! 저때 일곱살이었다던데, 너무 귀여워요!! 피아노 치는 모습과 노래에서 soul이 느껴집니다. 틈틈이 와서 보는게 낙입니다

[@rosalindkincannon6043]

What a talented lil young man n adorable. He set that piano on FIRE 🔥🔥🔥🔥❤❤❤❤

[@mahni_]

Such a cutie pie ♥️

[@m_udwhitman2649]

Oh my god! This former child is not just a child he has a old man soul in his body

[@s.s5933]

Yesssss

[@user-ii4zf5iq3t]

Thats what I'm going to be in my next life. I'm coming back in a young body even if I have no real talent.

[@huckbarry579]

He was a genuis!!!

[@PiotrBarcz]

Thanks for posting the full cut without the broken footage and unsynced audio!

[@callycharles2515]

I feel robbed that I'm just learning about him now that I"m 70 years old. He should have been in school books all along. I'm grateful that I know about him now and I sure am enjoying every second of it.

[@CharlesEmery]

Great clip just blessed my heart. Thank you for sharing this. I truly appreciate this.

[@nicholasbance5148]

JUST...WOOOOW...WOOOOW..WHAT A TALENTED YOUNG KID...U R JUST GREEEEAT

[@neldongentry3043]

A genius in his on time..

[@caro80line555]

Amazing talent. Thank you for sharing

[@lyndajay4407]

"I gotta look for my old man" white man says not now, play something.

[@s.s5933]

Lmao chill

[@elonwarren6746]

I know right! I had to pause the video cuz I was about to get mad lol

[@a.s.b.8107]

@@elonwarren6746 ok I thought it was just me lol 😂

[@adamkeenan5707]

Stop making everything about race and get a life!!!!

[@elonwarren6746]

@@adamkeenan5707 oh pish posh why don’t ya!!

[@v2vroth]

Incredible!🎶🎶

[@malfred5434]

Dedication History To My Sister Cassandra and her loving Old School Son of Oldie Music😎✌️

[@judylett536]

A musical 🎵 genius

[@BAMovin]

Look at those eyes!

[@suzannebryan1194]

Love his eyes😊

[@user-rr8de8ni6y]

Oh my word, wonderful!

[@sisi_skyes4991]

So cute I can’t 😭😭

[@severoque8802]

Yes me too.....

[@DW-li1jn]

But momma didn’t know what Caledonia was puttin down....Ooooooo 😮😂🤣

[@OgDj2024]

I never heard of Him. If he was that good as a kid, I can imagine how good he was as an adult 🤔

[@willeewilliams]

J Patterson he quit at age 14 to pursue his education. He got a PhD in psychology

[@matrox]

@@willeewilliams He became a Math teacher.

[@user-ii4zf5iq3t]

@@matrox which is it. I would have guessed math. You have to use that side of the brain to play like that.

[@LeDeKe]

He was born for music. Prodigy. 😊😊😊

[@thekoupekid]

Ah but maama didn't know was Caldonia was puttin down... ;)

[@codybang6178]

Just incredible just incredible!!!

[@user-ji1nm6in2k]

ah si j'avais ce talent à cet age,une aisance époustouflante ,un miracle de facilité quel rythme , il joue meme avec ses poings ,il chante et en jouant il regarde les autres !!!!!!!!

[@AR-oc8ii]

What got me is when he told the soldier "I have to go find my old man" and the soldier said "Not now....later" SMH Guess some would call that the good ole days.....SMH

[@maldicientin]

«But I really have to look for my old man» «Not now, later!» Faster than The Flash that kid was on immediately seating on the stool and hiting the keys......😂😂😂

[@kevinpalmer9756]

Yah, the editing was something to be desired, but remember, it was the 1940s and they had to cut and splice tape then; even after multiple takes.

[@Yiriyah]

My God brother played just as young, not one lesson and fluently speaks 9 languages. Not ONE book nor electronic device taught him. Don't need no more lies n stories when we lookin at one another knowing we are everything everywhere. Forefathers, continue leading our way~~~

[@msaintpc]

According to copyright records the song 'Caldonia' was written by Louis Jordan using his wife's name 'Fleecie Moore', so he could write music for other labels without incurring lawsuits from the one he was contracted with.

[@letakeokuk5446]

Anointed by God!🎼🙏🏾🎼🙏🏾🎼🙏🏾🎼He’s still among us. Would love to hear an updated bio ....💖💖

[@SSmith-pk6nx]

I’m a Van Johnson fan and have never seen this movie! The investigation is on! I hope I can buy it somewhere.

[@daveman5860]

That's some serious early rock and roll right there.

[@jeffking291]

Excellent ❗️. Thanks for posting this ❗️ 📻🙂

[@arieswaters]

Holy wow! I'm 58 I'm trying to learn to play piano

[@mynameisyumyumgivemesum1412]

Never to late🤗💯

[@katiavulpes7754]

Please, don't give up

[@williamallen2565]

He plays using the splayed finger technique like Thelonious Monk did.

[@pesha600]

Exactly, the total opposite of the way your piano Teacher told you was proper way to hold the fingers!

[@adafran6]

I cried wen he requested for a piano😥

[@mrstevens70]

Imagine him playing the classics. This kids is awesome.

[@epikureer1]

Wow! I saw this scene for the first time - totally impressive! In the German language we call it: "Wunderkind". - a child with extraordinary talent. A little black boy, surpasses 99.99% of the average population. Isn't this a wonderful example - also for the present - that talent is more important than the color of the skin? ^^

[@katinathomas2948]

AWWWW SO CUTE

[@debbiebrown4420]

Such a cute and talented little fellow.

[@Schpoople]

“I’ve lost my father” “Did I ask? Entertain us!” Just didn’t seem right to me lol

[@codybang6178]

I agree

[@Pulsonar]

The way American white and black actors acted together on film in that era seems so uncomfortably sensitive to the rules of social order of the time. It makes me cringe when I hear the subservient undertones in which black folks spoke to white folks. It’s as if to maintain social order regardless, in all areas of American life.

[@codybang6178]

@@Pulsonar I agree and it really hurt so damn bad.

[@braveman1641]

The American society has a lot to atone for. Such a sad state of things

[@homecineman6197]

It didn’t.Normalized supremacy .

[@emfry752]

what a talent at so young an age

[@Sportacus.]

Impresionante

[@ericnettles8375]

I love this one! This is way before my time

[@Jenjen-qc5eq]

He was sweet little kid and so talented.😊🍕☕🇬🇧

[@debbiebrown4420]

He was such an adorable little genius.

[@gcharles9218]

Impressionante este menino, algo que de grande neste espirito viajante

[@mathaha2922]

Nice find!

[@ShoYaRightRayRay]

I been looking for you pop💯🤞🏾

[@jangel7859]

Simply amazing. god bless USA and specially all those it’s who gave for us all this jazz flow

[@princematoba7004]

Amazing

[@lovingatlanta]

👍😍A little man at the age of 6!!!

[@tarnsand440]

He was 9 or when this movie was made in 1946...'.No Leave No Love'.

[@meetbilly1573]

Tam Sand He was 7

[@lenwoodgay8856]

such genius!

[@Chrisamos412]

WOW! Amazing, such natural talent! How in the world could this kid fall in between the cracks and end up living a life of squaller

[@randomperson7861]

6 years old but the kid is singing about love and looked like he's already been divorced for 5 times.

[@blacktopballer7385]

Phenomenal!

[@debbysalemi1657]

Bless his ❤️

[@severoque8802]

Un génie, un surdoué.... i heard he didnt have a great life😣😭😭

[@alkaben2138]

Il est juste incroyable 💪

[@helenmohammed5531]

So sooo adorable kid !!!!

[@user-wb9th9fr2j]

今までジャズピアノはバド・パウエルが一番好きだと思ってたけど、こんなに素敵なプレイヤーが居ることを初めて知りました…！ こんなに小さいのに物凄くピアノも歌も素敵…！そして可愛い。 シュガーチリとは、山椒の実は小粒でもピリリと辛い、みたいな異名なのかな？ すっかり虜になりました。 CDあるのかな… 独特な奏法だけど、小さな体では拳ででも弾かないとパンチのある音が出ないからかな、彼の研究からの発見からなのかと物凄く興味が湧きます。

[@olufemipearse7941]

I love it amazing the boy is smashing but great music did you record this

[@LionelBaronArtiste]

il y a des gens fabuleux sur cette terre qui ont une destinée magnifique ! there are fabulous people on this earth who have a magnificent destiny

[@evasrobarova9841]

SUPER 🙏

[@antoniomarcosalvespereira4212]

SENSACIONAL

[@daikimoto6725]

Wonderful, big talent!

[@andreagiusepperossi6748]

genio

[@zerototalenergy150]

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤❤❤

[@atiredblue]

Prodigy 💛💛💛

[@lucasgalvan9737]

Great. Too bad not a lot of people have seen it.

[@vanlifeusa4626]

Gold