Rob Banks (born February 3, 1930) is an American pianist, organist and composer. The artists he has worked with include Solomon Burke and Lu Elliott.
Background Banks was discovered by Horace Sims, a guitarist who took him on the road with his band El Tempo.Swing City: Newark Nightlife, 1925-50 Barbara J. Kukla Page 187
Career 1950s In 1954, his recording of "Mambo Blues" appeared on the B side of a Johnny Otis Orchestra single "Mambo Boogie". It was released on the Savoy label.The Billboard July 3, 1954 Page 24 Reviews of New R&B Records In 1956, the Robert Banks Trio did a cover of the Glenn Miller theme, "Moonlight Serenade", released on the Regent label.The Billboard May 5, 1956 Page 51 Reviews of New R&B Records In October 1957, banks and Hal Rollins recorded some tracks for Newark's Glowhill label.The Billboard November 4, 1957 Page 22 On The Beat by Ben Grevatt The single that Banks recorded was "On The Street Where You Live" which was backed with "Destination", a frenzied type of instrumental.The Billboard October 28, 1957 Page 64 R&B Disk Jockey Programming
1960s During the 1960s, he worked with Solomon Burke.Artist Direct Solomon Burke, Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke He also arranged and conducted both sides of the Willie Hightower single For "Sentimental Reasons" / "You Send Me", released on Capitol.Soul Detective Willie Hightower, CAPITOL 5916A45Cat Willie Hightower - Discography
Banks arranged the song "Help Me" that was released on Wand Records WND 1135 in 1966. It was credited to a singer by the name of Al Wilson. But the singer is not the same Al Wilson who recorded "The Snake".45Cat Artist: Al Wilson (New York)Soul Express Al Wilson DiscographySoulful Detroit Al Wilson Vs. Al Wilson
1970s He produced the Myrna Summers & The Interdenominational Singers Tell It Like It Is album that was released by 1970.Discogs Robert Banks Discography, Production
1980s In 1981, he was part of a duo consisting of himself on piano and bassist Jimmy Lewis, backing singer Lu Elliott at The Cookery at East Eighth Street at University Place in New York.New York Times March 22, 1981 Arts, CABARET: LU ELLIOTT AT COOKERY By John S. Wilson
Rob Banks discography
Singles "Moonlight Serenade" / "Sentimental Journey" - Regent 7501 - (1956)jaymar41 Regent Records ©1999written and compiled by JCMarionThe Billboard August 4, 1956 Page 74 Reviews of New Pop Records "Smile" / "A Mighty Good Way" - Verve VK-10545 - (1967)Discogs Robert Banks Discography
Albums Record LP The Message - Verve V-5016 - (1967)Discogs Robert Banks Discography 8-Track Cartridge Rob Banks - Theme from the Godfather - Altone 1973Discogs Robert Banks Discography Rob Banks, Soulmate Singers - Theme from Isaac Hayes' Shaft (Shaft/Jesus Christ Superstar) - Altone 197445worlds Robert Banks - Tape Media - Discography
Other discography With Mildred Anderson No More in Life (Bluesville, 1961) With the Johnny Otis Orchestra featuring Goucho and His Jungle Drums "Mambo Boogie" / Rob Banks And The Waileros - "Mambo Blues" - Savoy 45-1132 - (1954)45Cat Robert Banks And The Waileros - Discography With Shakey Jake Mouth Harp Blues (Bluesville, 1961) With Curtis Jones Trouble Blues (Bluesville, 1960) With Sunnyland Slim Slim's Shout (Bluesville, 1961) With Al Smith Midnight Special (Bluesville, 1961) With Roosevelt Sykes The Honeydripper (Bluesville, 1961)
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