Sugar Chile Robinson - Numbers Boogie (1951)

Born Frankie Robinson in Detroit, the youngest of seven children born to Clarence and Elizabeth Robinson. He was nicknamed "Sugar Chile" by his mother. Although neither parent was a musician, Frankie began playing piano by ear at the age of two. At the age of three, he won a talent show at the Paradise Theatre in Detroit. By six, he was playing guest shots with Lionel Hampton's band and the Frankie Carle Orchestra. In 1946, he made a cameo in the Van Johnson film "No Leave, No Love" performing "Caldonia". In March 1946, Robinson performed at a gala in Washington DC for President Truman. He played four numbers including "Caldonia" during which he shouted out, "How'm I Doin', Mr President?" This became a popular catch-phrase. In 1947, he was the subject of a seven-minute film entitled "Frankie 'Sugar Chile' Robinson." In 1949, Robinson made his first recordings for the Capitol label. His first two releases were "Numbers Boogie", which made it to number four on the Billboard R&B charts, and "Caldonia" which reached number 14. Robinson toured and recorded until 1952, when he requested that he be allowed to return to school. He graduated from Northern High School at age 15. He went on to attend Olivet College in Michigan, and graduated with a degree in psychology in 1960.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Joanne King
Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
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[@AndrewPena94]

This kid has more talent and class than most adults today

[@dimviesel]

Negroes had to work a lot harder just to stay alive in those days😒

[@cornellfinney2855]

We're god people!

[@willhaynes2190]

True indeed

[@barbaraannhenderson9049]

Jealousy makes them thumb down; he play the hell out of that piano and can Sing!!!!

[@byHexted]

He is an adult today, I guess technically an old man but either way it invalidates your point

[@anonimothy5979]

And he's still alive (in his 80's). He deserves more recognition while he's still around.

[@MaeJackson-bu4he]

He is Sensational and I would like to know who he is now.😊

[@wildwaning9427]

Yes!! Deserves his flowers🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻*NOW!!*

[@marvincooke7784]

He's here in Detroit. 85 yrs young

[@anonimothy5979]

@@marvincooke7784 WTH? That's my hometown. lol

[@maikellvieira5078]

Ó Deus obrigado

[@michaeljacobs1186]

I drive for Uber in the Detroit Metro area and I picked him and his niece up from Troy, MI tonight. We talked about his time on the road as a child performer, his later work, how he taught himself piano at such a young age, and his 6 siblings. Great guy

[@GarretGrayCamera]

What a great experience!

[@myjeevie]

Wow! Thank you for this comment. Hope he is doing well...I envy you for having the chance to meet and chant with him!

[@anonimothy5979]

Makes no sense. I left Detroit for Hollywood and now London, UK. All the cool people moved to the D after I was gone. Hill Harper, too. lol

[@anselmosouza2644]

Eu nunca tinha visto ou escutado nada sobre ele, um grande artista muito talentoso.

[@douglascurry7134]

@@anselmosouza2644 Is it possible to get in touch with him for radio and print interviews?

[@showtibrwnsuga]

These are the people who should be honored in African American history. A shame he is virtually unheard of in 2022

[@rleitros9378]

So too are Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson and Pinetop. And above everyone that gentle soul MJH.

[@johngillians1027]

Whoever gave this a thumbs down needs some love, friends a hug or something. This kid was a musical a prodigy. Beautiful and rare to behold

[@mary6ify]

I BET THEY WHITE

[@anthonygillespie4523]

@@mary6ify I bet they dumb as shyte also

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

@@mary6ify I bet you racist !

[@stewartfenton7660]

Someone always has to fuss about the thumbs down.

[@qtfiles1265]

@@mary6ify yep

[@Riogi]

Frank Isaac Robinson, known as Sugar Chile Robinson, was so adorable and talented! He was born in 1938 and will turn 81 on December 28, 2019. All blessings to this amazing soul. :).

[@mzkittym.5450]

Thanks so much for the info. I'm a native Detroiter.

[@angelbennett3891]

Riogi - so happy to hear Mr. Robinson is alive and well AND about to celebrate another BIRTHDAY🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Jenjen-qc5eq]

Thank you, I was wondering if he was still alive.

[@virginiahall4030]

Yes

[@janedowe2682]

Thank you Riogi

[@rayburton4867]

This little guy was seriously gifted! He definitely had an old soul inside him! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@inyobill]

No need to tell you, just mentioning, he wasn't just playig the music, he felt it.

[@SunnyLenny]

Definitely this child/ Old Soul has been here before. Gifted by God Amen brother

[@rayburton4867]

@@SunnyLenny DEFINITELY TOUCHED BY GOD! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@VolkXue]

he's still alive and yeah, he played the piano and was self taught which is where some of the key slapping comes from

[@paanne1013]

Yes very gifted! I thought the same thing. I looked him up and he is still alive at 85. I hope he has had a great life and is happy and healthy.

[@bryaneddy5272]

This kid rules. Played for Truman, then played for Obama 70 years later. Has a voice on him like a hurricane and plays the piano like a maniac. I'm so glad I found this!

[@docprocmd]

Could you expand on the performance for President Obama, Bryan? Maybe I can find something on Wikipedia, but it would be nice to have the story herein.

[@sandralarson-gonzales3797]

Too bad he performed for Obama Me I hate America himself

[@beckyjohnsonify]

Omg. I'm glad I found this too! My other have is Truman's great great nephew. Sweeeeeeeet

[@mizrelmizrel]

I live in Detroit and I know Mr "Suger Chile"Robinson. I'm gonna show him this share😍

[@freddykruger8229]

It would be dope as hell if u could interview him for KZbin!

[@mitzithompson6585]

That's awesome

[@thecelestialauntie]

Awesome!!

[@mizrelmizrel]

@James Gray Your point 🤔

[@pacethedj]

@@mizrelmizrel ... there is no point, he's just making an observation. Not everything written needs to have a thesis theme behind it!

[@cosmai23]

Coolest damn thing I've ever seen. The ring is a nice touch.

[@bubbastevegarcia2459]

cosmai23 balling out

[@siahyoung6335]

That and the white Stride Rite or Buster Brown Shoes!

[@AirForceFalcons_9922]

@@siahyoung6335 Yessss!!! Lol! I'm leaning towards the Stride Rite shoes though 😂

[@markj2838]

Wow. So talented.. young man playing hard...

[@arcang2102]

You said it bruddah!!!Aint no buster browns,the kidz stridin' right.thats a givin'.

[@lisawillis8044]

Insane talent. You saw that elbow tap????? Man where are these kids now

[@fuel4luv28]

He didn't have no business being that dern cute🥰

[@blkbutterfly58ify]

“That chile done been here before” in my Big Mama voice😊....this child is the true definition of a PRODIGY!!! Love it!!!!

[@mitzithompson6585]

❤💜💛💙

[@objectiveone1478]

Yes indeed, vibrant old soul! I couldn’t help but to wonder how old he was in this video lol!

[@angelarandall9184]

Some people dont understand the adoration that comes with saying "Chiiiiiiiile you betta..." #blackkingandqueenmagic

[@normal2954]

Playing and singing like a 40 year old man!

[@warrenholly2200]

Some people are born to do it!!!

[@rustinal2010]

Wow...some people are just born with the gift of rhythm...buried deep within their soul...

[@SpacemanXC]

Couldn't imagine American music without this young genius. What a gift!

[@almartin4284]

This little boy is awesome !!! I wish I had known about him sooner. I am in my 70's and I absolutely love this music. But even more I love this artist.

[@denniswinkler3241]

Same here, I love this video 👍

[@d_exiled_1arisen385]

How are they just sitting there?! I can't sit still listening to this now. 🇵🇷✊🏾🇦🇬

[@davidcooke8005]

This kid tears it up! Banging the keys, great vocal control... a born musician.

[@paanne1013]

I wasn't expecting that voice to come out of that cute little child! What a talented kid. I just looked him up, he is still alive at the age of 85! This is what I love about KZbin, finding treasures like this. Thank you to who ever posted this.

[@pafree4402]

Seriously where do you see not taught but natural God given talent so young, amazing! Just simply amazing.

[@softyme63]

He’s 80 years old now 😀

[@blueskye6372]

Wonderful! 💚💛🎶🎼🎵

[@PoliticsAzUsualAsItSeems]

He was that age back then...just in a little body....behold the ressurection ..lol!!

[@softyme63]

THE BLACKS REALTALK101 GangstaChannel 😂 😂

[@joejenkins7695]

Wow.i was wondering if he was still alive.a classic time piece😊❤👍

[@joejenkins7695]

@@PoliticsAzUsualAsItSeems 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kemalesilvera6107]

The elbow play and keys slap was simply amazing, I 💘 it man.

[@joeblow1115]

I can't get enough of this.

[@BodhiBoy69]

WOW!!!! He's freaking amazing. What an awesome performance from this young prodigy........

[@423soulja2]

History is so dope mane. Respect to the legend.

[@callycharles2515]

I'm so glad this came up in my feed. What an incredible talent, he blew my socks off!

[@sonyafunk1817]

Love how he tapping his shoe to the beat. Amazing why have I not heard of him before?

[@katyarnold6757]

This kid is so anointed to play the piano at such a young age. This kid is phenomenal!!!!!!!!

[@brians1025]

Well, this just made my Entire Day! 😎

[@ricolewis2949]

I listen to this DAILY to start the day off right. Love from 65 South Louisville Kentucky

[@justskillz2000]

That kid was way ahead of time. Awesome!!!!

[@julieanderson100]

This is my something good today. How have I never known about him before? So happy to have discovered him - better late than never.

[@R-L-I]

That elbow move was tight!

[@marthaperdew]

This is awesome ! When I was a kid I listened to Boogie Woogie

[@quodmortifer]

wow, dont even know how I got here........how awesome....amazing

[@anthonysavio3875]

am humbled that this kid prodigy is still alive and kicking at a ripe old age of 83

[@metalbelles3662]

He's a prodigy

[@josemanuelherrere4019]

When somebody said the words "you ain't seen nothing yet" he was taking about this... respect

[@FunkyChi1d]

The definition of prodigy right there.

[@og_sane]

There's just something so cool in this video I can't explain. What an expectional talent he was and still is! 🙏😍

[@franklee9152]

Although we aren't living in the era this "lil brotha" is working them ivory. Glad today's tech allows us black folks the ability to admire our history in this country.

[@stevejackson1572]

WOW! Saw and met this dude when I was a kid back in the 70's. My Dad saw him at a Pistons game and briefed my on who he was. Apparently he was very well known durin' the time of this film; my Dad spoke of him like he was some great star.

[@kathryncarter6143]

Definitely was a great star!!!

[@wonderwoman66dp]

Duuuhhhh, he WAS!

[@chaka5199]

He was waaaay back then and still is a great STAR. Bet you can't touch him!

[@stevejackson1572]

@@chaka5199 WHAT?? SMH

[@sunnyboy7033]

How can you sound so smug??????????

[@wav.yliving]

As musicians in hip hop, we keep our ancestors/fellow black people alive forever by sampling these records 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@fortiond3830]

The voice is a child's, the body, the lyrics, but those hands...impossible.

[@robertalker652]

"But my Mama said it's time take my nap". Hilarious finish by a fine artist.

[@juancarlosdavila6591]

Love this kid. He's amazing. Singing and chops impressive for his young age.

[@jessewolf6806]

Impressive at any age.

[@patriciahartless2095]

This child was a Blessing from the Lord. He had a lot of talent. To be so young. I know all of his family members was proud of him. Went on and entered College. Got him a degree. Reach Out and take what you want in life. Nobody can do it for you. You have to do it for yourself.

[@leicestervaper9517]

Amen

[@deanfuller2163]

@@leicestervaper9517 Hello Patricia, How are you doing?

[@DKGifford19608]

So is it that one gets a blessing from god or they go "take" what they want?

[@user-ww8sy9pu4j]

Фантастика!!!!!!!!!!

[@leroysanchez6059]

Born with rhythm..... my head never stopped bobbin..... What a cool cat, now mommy says take your nap.... thats hilarious...

[@mikehunt8997]

Why aren't today's black musicians this talented?

[@octaviamay7601]

Because many of us gave up because we had no chance to earn a living due to our race and color. I was a Balarina and good enough to get signed by a German Dance class later when my military husband was transferred to Stuttgart, Germany in the fifties ... Lol, shortly afterward, I got pregnant. One of my cousins became a schoolteacher and was only able to get a job cleaning up some whitewoman's kitchen. Hate vented at Black people is toatal and complete.

[@mikehunt8997]

@@octaviamay7601 Yeah sure. That was the 50's. Today it's different. When it comes to music and it sounds good, people want to hear it and don't care who's playing it. I've seen many black performers in concert because I like their music. Using racism that's such a crutch of an excuse for not succeeding in life. I would never hire anyone who talked like that.

[@swordoftruth7862]

​@mikehunt8997 it may not be the same as the 1950s but it's still exist. non black people who don't walk in the shoes of color don't see it cause it's not part of their lives. true many black people use it as an excuse to not even try and that's not an excuse. in fact I teach them that it's their obligation to do more then their grandparents did becasue they do have more avenues of freedom that their ancestors fought for. so it's a disservice to them to not use your talent or gifts today however, the road to success is still a rocky and hole filed one for black people. there are many glass doors that still are in place and many times you have to sell your soul to get them opened. this leads into the deteriorating culture that the media perpetuates. many talented black artists( Lauren Hill) leave the entertainment world when they see what goes on at the top. it's truly a different experience in the world when you are not white.

[@blaisegordon1]

I can't stop watching this video man are there any kids out here can play the piano this way

[@scribblebeck]

Can you?

[@nina5-12]

It's all clinical now

[@buddyrichable1]

There are many child prodigies around.

[@bohdaj]

@@buddyrichable1 for sure there are ! they are everywhere in the world - evenly distributed :-)) sometimes only we dont know about them

[@robertcooney1938]

I know a prodigy who can play it all......except boogie woogie. He was a student at the music school I used to teach at. I kept telling him to learn boogie woogie, told him to listen to Johnny Johnson but he never caught on.

[@robincorprew9007]

Too much cutest ,he can't even reach the paddles God bless his God given talent.

[@GoodMusicEnjoyer]

What a talented guy!!! 😍

[@arethafranklin8450]

Sooo precious!!!

[@sonyafloyd2618]

GREATNESS! wonderful...... Outstanding young man....

[@jcolecolman781]

Now you see the talent in young black Americans let's keep this our god to know our music here to stay

[@theboheeka]

It takes a serious genius to play that stride piano stuff.

[@TheScottEF]

Just wonderful. He's got a man's hands, yet his feet cannot reach the pedals.

[@abdulhamid40]

Да. Удивительные мужские руки!!!

[@ChakraZulu1]

Somebody come look at this old man in this lil boy body 😭🤣💛

[@davidmarquezluna9925]

Wowwwww!!!what a great child👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻amazing……👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👏🏻

[@Eskay1206]

how have we never heard of him......brilliant

[@denisemitchell8477]

Gday luv Oh ok he's on those keys Wow So talented.. Thank you

[@mjohnson665]

A musical prodigy! AWESOME💯❤!!!!

[@kevinmunday6263]

He had real long Hands for a kid, what a Talent too 😊😊

[@valentinepayne6464]

Who is listening to this January 2023. That's real entertainment. Love it wondering if he is still alive?

[@DOVEY1983]

Me from New Zealand 🎉😂

[@valentinepayne6464]

@@DOVEY1983 you have gpod taste in music

[@1noonoo]

Sugar Chile, Sugar Chile! That was too adorable. Such talent! We definitely need to remember him in the history.✨💎💎💎💎💎✨

[@andrewpippa5590]

He pounded the keys with his elbows...love it!

[@nataliemscrzysxycoolharris9623]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💯 He couldn’t reach the foot petals back then.

[@joycecomegys5835]

A true child prodigy amazing he made those ivories tinkle like a grown a$$ man!!!!

[@tahira1]

I love that he went back to school studied psychology and lived a relatively quiet life after the success he had as a small child. Definition of a living legend and true child prodigy.

[@emmanuelscott5804]

😮😮😮 This young man is beyond AWESOME 👍🏾😎

[@fineartist7710]

...This is beyond believable!...What talent! What Charm!...And so young!

[@TheAwesomeDee]

They can't keep us down!!😁😁💯

[@janedowe2682]

AMAZING !!!!! IT'S TIME TO TAKE A NAP!!! A Classic!!👏🏾👏🏾✊🏽🤗

[@maryshields9470]

Agree with beautiful and rare to behold. Will treasure this. He’s terrific!

[@craigbutterfield592]

So much to still discover, it just never ends. This kid was fantastic

[@JulieDeuxFois]

His style is soooo cool! When he threw the elbows in, I had to squeal of delight

[@010les]

Damn this is amazing Just wooow So young

[@elijahvincent985]

I love that Sugar Chile is still alive and performing today at 83 years young! It's always a magical feeling finding somebody alive from the mostly-dead past, especially one who still leads an active career!

[@rachdek5521]

Un don du ciel,je me lasse pas de le visionner et d'apprécier sa musique,dommage qu'il soit pas reconnu.❤❤❤❤

[@rachdek5521]

Les vrais talents et la.vrais musique vient des afros américains ils sont très doués ,le chant et la musique pour apaiser leurs souffrance et louage à dieu. Les blancs se sont approprié leurs musiques mais ils auront jamais leurs talents Amen

[@jerryday9838]

He is so gifted and I hear .still can get down.I use to hear about him grow up . whenever someone say "SUGAR CHILD".back in detroit.may GOD continue to bless him.

[@JustMe-dn9fh]

My God this little talent I never heard of. Amazing.

[@okambambo]

How do you dislike such talent and a sweet kid , jealousy says I

[@BoDad415]

The kid had Hands ✋🏾 🎹 😊 ‼️

[@patrickryan1515]

"Tootsie roll soul in little white shoes; papa's sure proud of his soulful little rock'n roll baby." Reminds me of this Stylistics' song. Snappy performance! 10/2019

[@pamelabrown3058]

Hehe! I watched them on Soul Train earlier today. Oh what a night!

[@patrickryan1515]

@@pamelabrown3058 "Oh What a Night" - That would be The Dells. Saw the Stylistics in person in Albany, NY @1975 - Betcha' By Golly they gave a WOW performance. Love their repertoire, especially "Star on a TV Show". Have a nice evening. 10/2019

[@pamelabrown3058]

@@patrickryan1515 OMG! My eyes actually teared up. YOU are a celebrity in Your Own Rights then ;-) May God continue to bless You Bro! XOXO

[@stevi1130]

One of God’s gifts to mankind.

[@dagr.johnsen2164]

I just LOVE this little guy! Always have. ❤ Plus...I love his "Caledonia"!

[@corneliusbrown5290]

The talent we have ooooohhhhhh man never seen or heard of him til just now

[@bonniebabyboo3095]

O'h my! This is my "first" knowledge of this child entertainer and his history. I was absolutely "thrilled" as I watched him play and quite entertained as he sang. Thank you for sharing this, "his story."

[@robert0price]

are you a "robot."

[@algorhythm4593]

THIS is what they should teach in school! :)

[@angelapjosephine]

I'm a music teacher and I am teaching this in my classes. : )

[@joedart1465]

no no no. Once they 'teach' something in schools the kids don't want to do it anymore. Notice that all rock bands begin in the basements at home.

[@Cassxowary]

You can teach piano but you can’t teach this kinda stuff

[@agnidas5816]

@@joedart1465 some times they start in band class at school... and rehearsing at lunch.

[@michaelmorton6566]

That kid had huge talent

[@miguelmasesanglerill5347]

Thanks i was born in 1951 God bless you 💞

[@JohnCGUNSNFREEDOM]

I've never heard of this dude ,he's awesome.

[@deborahrhoades7544]

I do remember him💯 I was born in 1955. He was amazing❤❤❤

[@clavedesol57]

How could such a talented little boy be almost unknown to the general public?

[@lbowsk]

Because he's black.

[@thepolitecanadian117]

remember the times......white musicians were literally stealing every hook they could get their grubby hands on. no promoter no audience no life in the limelight.

[@hooleyqueen]

I'm wondering the same thing, but I was born in 1950 and did not even know who Frankie Lymon (and the Teenagers) were. I had heard his big hit "Why do Fools Fall in Love?" but I thought he was a girl because his voice had not yet changed (he was 13) and I also did not know he was Black. Yes, some comments here are true; there were not really Black musicians on TV much in the fifties, but that began to change in the sixties. I was so excited to see Little Stevie Wonder on TV when he was about 13. I was so surprised to see him play piano, a blind boy! I wondered how did he learn to play. I grew up in the Motown generation with all the girl groups (they were not all black, but the best ones were) and Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Aretha, and a huge list of wonderful black and white musicians popular in those days. I remember when these musicians began to integrate their bands.What an exciting time. The music was so awesome. I still love it.

[@survivingsicklecell1732]

Oh dear God thank you for a classical piece like this could you send me back in his era please

[@joannab.763]

Wow!!! Omg his strong voice! Wow!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@souviksen7497]

Holy Shit!! How come I never heard of him??!!

[@drvren030]

His voice is actually better than many of the proclaimed singers today, even the ones who are labelled good/great singers by their TikTok fandoms

[@gregbors8364]

You don’t need to be a good singer these days. They can “fix” everything in the studio with Autotune and other effects

[@pamelapostma8890]

Oh my gosh... This kid has more talent than I could ever dream of!

[@deanfuller2163]

Hello Pamela, How are you doing?

[@irenedontoh3539]

Never heard of him before. So talented. WOW!!

[@nykedradarden2901]

So cute