Home Lifestyle Spotlight on a Local Talent:  Jonathan Robinson

Spotlight on a Local Talent:  Jonathan Robinson

Jonathan Robinson
Photo courtesy of John Martin

HAMLET – Many of you know Jonathan Robinson who was born and raised right here in Richmond County.  Although this is his home, Jonathan’s dreams and talent took him to higher places where his music could be better explored and his craft honed as a means of him becoming a balanced singer/songwriter.

Although now a guitar guru, Jonathan’s love of the instrument didn’t evolve until he was well into high school (where he was a very good football player; his position was tight end).  But he went to a music store one day with a friend (who literally had to coerce him into going – music just wasn’t his thing at the time) and, as strange as it would seem, he ended up buying a guitar.  

When he brought the guitar home his mother was shocked and wondered if such a purchase was a total waste of his earned money.  But young Jonathan dove into learning and fell in love with his newfound musical interest.  He worked day and night and started seeing progress almost immediately.  So much came so quickly that he even put football aside and didn’t play his senior year; he was afraid of hurting his fingers and that would obviously affect his ability to play his guitar.  He jumped right in with the music scene playing with friends in churches and youth clubs, just anywhere anyone would let him play. 

After high school he migrated to Charleston Southern College in Charleston, SC.  Having a strong interest in English literature, Jonathan capitalized on his innate writing ability and further developed his skills in this capacity as a means of enhancing his song-writing talent.  As his performing expertise progressed extraordinarily faster than most, Jonathan branched out in the music field.  He began teaching guitar lessons and also gigging more often, primarily playing the local scene in Charleston.  Through a connection at the church where he was also an adjunct music director, Jonathan was able to accompany a group on a European playing tour.  Guitars, writing, and performing had now become such a huge part of his life that there was no turning back. 

Jonathan’s music career was progressing even more quickly at this point.  He won a “King of Blues” contest that led him to move directly to Nashville.  Here he joined the National Songwriters Association International (NSWI) and started writing and co-writing with some of the established writers there.  He found himself playing pretty much every night somewhere on Broadway in downtown Nashville and in the process made many new connections.  This “musicians’ networking” soon landed him a spot with several up-and-coming stars in Nashville and he was soon touring with them across the country.  The upper Midwest seemed to be a hot area for what he was doing; he played many great venues there as well as wherever else the tours took him.  

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As his career broadened so did his family.  He has a lovely wife, Kristi, a son and a daughter. Along with a family comes priorities; he and Kristi made the decision to move back to Hamlet to be near their relatives and to concentrate on raising their two children near the kids’ grandparents (i.e., what many, including this writer, would think to be a relatively normal process). 

Upon his return to Richmond County, Jonathan immediately began to search out like-minded musicians.  Another local talent and friend, the late Tommy Adeimy, contacted me and introduced me to Jonathan.  We have now worked together often here in the area and will do more local stuff when our schedules allow.  I must say I am very appreciative of Adeimy getting us together as Jonathan is a true pleasure to make music with.  He is the “real deal” for sure. 

Jonathan has capitalized on his talent and newfound relationships in the area.  While shopping for a vintage guitar amp, Robinson went into Casino Guitars (a really cool guitar boutique store in Southern Pines) and met the owner Baxter Clement.  An immediate professional musician connection was evident and a working relationship was born.  Robinson was offered a job there teaching guitar lessons.  As word of his talent spread, his schedule was filled rather quickly with eager students.  As he also performs other duties in the store, it would seem that Robinson is going to stay with us, thanks to Baxter at Casino Guitars. 

Jonathan is close to releasing an EP recording, hopefully by the end of this summer, of some of his original music.  He is connected to “Mechanics Hill Marketing” who will distribute this EP via online streaming and download and for all of you that are into the vintage sound.  And yes, it will be available on “vinyl” as well. 

If you have not yet heard Jonathan Robinson play, do yourself a favor and find out where he will be performing next at a local venue, then go witness his talent and enjoy.  You’ll be glad you did.

 



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