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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[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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 👍

[@pafree4402]

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

[@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.

[@rustinal2010]

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

[@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

[@lisawillis8044]

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

[@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

[@callycharles2515]

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

[@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

[@d_exiled_1arisen385]

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

[@joeblow1115]

I can't get enough of this.

[@justskillz2000]

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

[@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'.

[@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

[@13thhouse23]

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!

[@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.

[@ricolewis2949]

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

[@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 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidcooke8005]

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

[@kevinmunday6263]

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

[@sonyafunk1817]

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

[@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!!!

[@BodhiBoy69]

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

[@kemalesilvera6107]

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

[@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! 😎

[@quodmortifer]

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

[@lunastarr1925]

Blacks r very talented....and this boy is a self taught genius........cute, handsome, and d ring.....just marvelled at those fingers on d piano......

[@KEESHALENARD]

❤ LORD THIS SWEETHEART TALENTED CHILE❤

[@marthaperdew]

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

[@423soulja2]

History is so dope mane. Respect to the legend.

[@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.

[@blackamore1826]

Wow such a young genius makes you think about the young people today young black kids with the spirit of genius in there hearts and souls

[@mjohnson665]

A musical prodigy! AWESOME💯❤!!!!

[@theboheeka]

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

[@Eskay1206]

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

[@og_sane]

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

[@anthonysavio3875]

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

[@metalbelles3662]

He's a prodigy

[@jcolecolman781]

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

[@user-qm8dk6yv8j]

Nota mil ,estou com 63 anos e curtindo agora mesmo aqui em Rondônia/ Brasil

[@sonyafloyd2618]

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

[@arethafranklin8450]

Sooo precious!!!

[@leonleiffer1915]

SUPER TALENTED, SPECIAL KIND OF GIFT, THE BLACKSTONES

[@GoodMusicEnjoyer]

What a talented guy!!! 😍

[@juancarlosdavila6591]

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

[@jessewolf6806]

Impressive at any age.

[@okambambo]

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

[@fuel4luv28]

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

[@juliaduncan1438]

Bless his heart.....he tickled me with his pronounceation of 9....non eye. Love him

[@josemanuelherrere4019]

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

[@deborahrhoades7544]

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

[@edwinstorz2776]

Sugar, thank you Sir, i hope and Pray for you and all the Good you have given to Men like me!!!

[@maryshields9470]

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

[@denisemitchell8477]

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

[@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??????????

[@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

[@louisediego8419]

Go head baby mah mah Tiffany loves your sugar Chile Robinson performances

[@fortiond3830]

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

[@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!!!!!!!!!!

[@astrofire68]

This just fills me with pure joy.🥰

[@fineartist7710]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BoDad415]

The kid had Hands ✋🏾 🎹 😊 ‼️

[@davidmarquezluna9925]

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

[@janedowe2682]

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

[@010les]

Damn this is amazing Just wooow So young

[@brandodacammando4845]

He’s still alive. I was just with him yesterday

[@nataliemscrzysxycoolharris9623]

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

[@FunkyChi1d]

The definition of prodigy right there.

[@ZOMb2010]

WoW....how come I am just discovering this Incredible young fellow..This music is so KoOL..although your much older this will last fOrever ...Thank you 😁✌️PeaCe

[@Lukeja514]

God bless this person

[@jameswalton9155]

I was 2 yrs old when this Was played. First time I Seen this.

[@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.

[@JohnCGUNSNFREEDOM]

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

[@MyraChambers-df4zd]

Amazing so much talent at a young age. 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.

[@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.

[@TheScottEF]

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

[@abdulhamid40]

Да. Удивительные мужские руки!!!

[@jotat1046]

The Afro-descendant American people are already born with the talent of their ancestors in their veins, music is mainly the greatest virtue of these great singers like this boy at the time with 7 years old, I love my Ethnicity so we are capable.

[@noralee6787]

My goodness awesome he couldn't even reach the pedals, but he was slaying that song!!!! WoW!!!!!

[@corneliusbrown5290]

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

[@dagr.johnsen2164]

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

[@judylett536]

He is killing it very he is like a little man haven't seen any kid played like that

[@aaronTNGDS9]

WOW! Yet another in a long line of Black geniuses. What a rare gift he had. God truly is most great and bountiful---His creation is perfect and displays itself in so many ways.

[@1noonoo]

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

[@irenedontoh3539]

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

[@johndavey72]

Everydays a school day and today was one lesson l was happy to be in ! Sugar certainly had very large hands indeed. And he played for President Obama 70 years later ! Amazing . Thanks for sharing

[@jochosen3969]

I never heard of him. He was a very talented kid with his little white shoes on.

[@colleencrozier9295]

Can't stop listening to this young man's amazing talent. It's out of this world. .

[@robincorprew9007]

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

[@robertliepe6766]

🎵 TRUE HISTORY 🎶🌹😎🇺🇸

[@sonjavoigt9363]

Das ist so süß es zaubert einen ein Lächeln😊ins Gesicht 😊😊😊❤

[@joycecomegys5835]

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

[@TheAwesomeDee]

They can't keep us down!!😁😁💯

[@davidperez-mt1iy]

Listenig and watching in the meddle of 2020 to Frankie Robinson boy...

[@sergiomastriaco8960]

I'll die without that swing. Wonderful touch.

[@craigbutterfield592]

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