Roscoe Robinson

Roscoe Robinson actually became the second sighted participant in Mississippi’s Five Blind Boys, following Percell Perkins, whose own involvement drew little notice. Born in Arkansas, he relocated with his family to Gary at age ten. His recording career began in 1951 on Trumpet, and he performed with several gospel ensembles—the Five Trumpets, the Highway Q.C.’s, and the Fairfield Four—before shifting to secular material during the 1960s. In 1966 he scored a striking success with Wand’s “That’s Enough.” Subsequent releases on additional independent imprints failed to register nationally, though he produced numerous strong regional sides in classic Southern soul fashion. During the 1980s he resumed gospel work, cutting High on Jesus for Savoy and later joining the Gerri roster, which issued So Called Friends in 2003 and Gospel Stroll two years afterward.