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.o...

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@huckbarry579]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!:)

[@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...)

[@CharlesEmery]

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

[@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!.

[@michellemealey2569]

Beautiful boy and so talented melts my heart 😊

[@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!!

[@PiotrBarcz]

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

[@Dano27569]

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

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

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

[@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

[@Zatanna22]

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

[@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.

[@debow671]

Jus adorable when he was a child

[@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.

[@rubywoo_5.2]

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

[@Whatuniverse]

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

[@thekoupekid]

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

[@pepperdog3761]

Best music I have ever heard.

[@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

[@caro80line555]

Amazing talent. Thank you for sharing

[@337993maya]

Just gorgeous....rare human being

[@NoLuvNdezeInnaNetStreetz]

Yes he was a beautiful boy 😍🥰

[@forevrrich]

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

[@pamelahousel3147]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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 !!!

[@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.

[@v2vroth]

Incredible!🎶🎶

[@nicholasbance5148]

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

[@rosalindkincannon6043]

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

[@DW-li1jn]

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

[@m.p.776]

Did I just hear a little kid say "ah, but mama didn't know what Caledonia was puttin' down"? 😆🤣 That is one smooth little brother.

[@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 ....💖💖

[@neldongentry3043]

A genius in his on time..

[@huckbarry579]

He was a genuis!!!

[@mahni_]

Such a cutie pie ♥️

[@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.

[@LeeZeidel-s1h]

This is the first time I've seen him . Amazing 😮

[@arieswaters]

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

[@mynameisyumyumgivemesum1412]

Never to late🤗💯

[@katiavulpes7754]

Please, don't give up

[@CarmenIvanBesson]

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 !!!!!!!!

[@BAMovin]

Look at those eyes!

[@suzannebryan1194]

Love his eyes😊

[@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.

[@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~~~

[@codybang6178]

Just incredible just incredible!!!

[@judylett536]

A musical 🎵 genius

[@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.

[@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

[@sisi_skyes4991]

So cute I can’t 😭😭

[@severoque8802]

Yes me too.....

[@Jean-q1h7g]

Oh my word, wonderful!

[@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? ^^

[@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!

[@jeffking291]

Excellent ❗️. Thanks for posting this ❗️ 📻🙂

[@mrstevens70]

Imagine him playing the classics. This kids is awesome.

[@randomperson7861]

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

[@adafran6]

I cried wen he requested for a piano😥

[@Modi_ne_war_rukwadi_PAWPAW]

He was born for music. Prodigy. 😊😊😊

[@daveman5860]

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

[@malfred5434]

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

[@ericnettles8375]

I love this one! This is way before my time

[@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'.

[@kinghit-g7f]

Tam Sand He was 7

[@severoque8802]

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

[@princematoba7004]

Amazing

[@mathaha2922]

Nice find!

[@blackbeauty3348]

Not now later 👎

[@debbiebrown4420]

Such a cute and talented little fellow.

[@gcharles9218]

Impressionante este menino, algo que de grande neste espirito viajante

[@Jenjen-qc5eq]

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

[@debbiebrown4420]

He was such an adorable little genius.

[@emfry752]

what a talent at so young an age

[@Sportacus.]

Impresionante

[@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

[@lucasgalvan9737]

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

[@jangel7859]

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

[@katinathomas2948]

AWWWW SO CUTE

[@JaySoloMusic]

Not now later translation, not until you entertain us boy.

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

You're not seeing or hearing it the way it was intended in the script, and ALSO by the actor. Who doubtlessly was impressed by the young man and was looking forward to his piano performance as much as Sugar was. 1) In the context of the script, the character knew his father couldn't be far away, and wouldn't be leaving without him. And that once he had satisfied his curiosity as to whether the kid could really play, he could find the kids dad a lot faster than the kid probably thought. He didn't consider it quite the big problem it was for the kid. He knew he'd solve it quickly...after a quick song. 2) In the context of the actor playing the part, he and the rest of the cast probably knew this song would be an important thing for the audience to take seriously and listen to carefully, and they wanted to convey to the white part of the audience that this was the time to look past race and racial attitudes of the era, and "pay attention and listen carefully". That was what I "heard" from the overly serious tone in his voice. The character was speaking to the kid of course. But, in that moment, I could hear the actor speaking directly to the audience, specifically the white audience. "Not now, later!" He said it in tone that was intended to be taken, by the white audience, as respect for the young black prodigy, and as a "command", for them "set everything in their minds aside now for later, including any racism, and just listen". As a white person, that's what I heard in his voice. He had to follow the words of the script, but he put just a bit more inflection in his voice to send that message to the movie audience. He knew this was the kids moment in the movie to shine, and he did not want anyone in any theater to be goofing off and not paying attention.

[@JaySoloMusic]

If someone told you to ignore your priority to entertain their interest would you?

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

@@JaySoloMusic 1) I've already explained this to you adequately. You must be one of those braindamaged SJW pAntifa types. 2) And, yes I have...many times. Especially when I was a kid. And I usually complied, and didn't mind it much at all, especially when the request was complimentary, and something that I enjoyed doing, as it was here in the context of the movie. 3) Now that I have answered your pinheaded, butthurt question, can you please show us all on the doll where you were hurt so bad.

[@JaySoloMusic]

Not Applicable The only pinhead here is the one ignorant to the stereotype black musicians had to play to land a role in Hollywood around this era. Every black musician around this time like Nate king cole, Hazel Scott and this child was forced to fit the stereotype of a submissive musician, Hazel scott has a documentary explaining what she had to go through to break the cycle of the submissive musician. you should research it 👍🏾

[@DUCKDUCKGOISMUCHBETTER]

@@JaySoloMusic I already knew that. What you don't want to know or understand is that EVERY musician, actor and entertainer had to conform to rigid rules, both personally and professionally. Whites included. The Hollywood system was a real thing, and for the most part, compared to the utter lack thereof today, a GOOD thing. There were personal and professional standards that had to be obeyed. And the pressure made diamonds out of many people. Others, it broke. But by any possible objective measurement, aside from the technological, the quality of movies and music was better. Mind you, it's not always to my personal taste. But objectively it was better. That kid was undoubtedly happy to be there, and doing what he was doing. And you don't have any right to judge him for that. His music is almost certainly better than anything you listen to. And, btw, you still haven't shown us all on the doll, where the big, mean awful white man has hurt you so much. 🤣

[@lenwoodgay8856]

such genius!

[@巫笛]

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。

[@jacobklomparens9732]

Awesome

[@ShoYaRightRayRay]

I been looking for you pop💯🤞🏾

[@alkaben2138]

Il est juste incroyable 💪

[@debbysalemi1657]

Bless his ❤️

[@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

[@DJBpartyTV]

KID: But I have to find my old man. White Man: you'll never see your old man again if you don't play. Me: 👀

[@rodgreen6021]

Wow ,If I could play half as good as that .......😊

[@OBSVFULC]

There was a wisdom of life that was told to this young lively spirit that no longer exists, *"Son, keep away from that woman, she's no good!"* not only that, but the gift to be able to play a piano at such a young and innocent age.

[@Hadwig6917]

You deserve getting your piano!

[@Arda_Tz]

İt's crazy he is still alive