A life with a guitar, a return to the stage, and a few stories along the way.
“After laying down my guitar for nearly twenty years, I finally performed on stage again.”
A Martin guitar, given to me for Christmas, got me interested in playing again—and singing for the first time. These photographs tell the story of finding my way back to music.
From the original photo journal, preserved here with the people and moments that made it special.
Photographs and original notes from the archive. Select a photo for a closer look.
The saga begins! After laying down my guitar for nearly nearly twenty years, I finally performed on stage again. This Martin was a Christmas present and I fell in love with it! It got me interested in playing again. And singing for the first time (groan!)
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And it sure sounds sweet! (And so far I haven't run off the crowd)
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Who smashed that mic up against my face!
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I think I'm getting more comfortable... This is getting to be fun!
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This photo shows my '72 (I think) pre-CBS, creme Fender Stratacaster I haven't played this one in a looong time!
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In this shot, I'm doing "Ol' Red" in a more punchy version than the orignal recording. . This old Strat sure feels good!
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The Official Jimmy Robinson Fan Club! Thanks for the wonderful support of the Main Street Artists Gallery and Studio!
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This is a shot from my first night at the White Elephant Saloon on Feb 24, 2004. This was also Fat Tuesday The longhorn over the bar had Mardi Gras beads hanging from them! Go Amanda!
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What a great night! Even though this was my first "gig" away from the White Elephant, it sure was a blast! Just pickin away at the Main Street Artists Gallery and Studio on Gallery Night March 27, 2004 Thanks to Pat and Russ for sponsoring the event, a great audience and Dennis, who came up and sang a couple of songs with me. The first set was all acoustic and I used the Martin. Then.. a little more rock influence appeared and I whipped out the ol' trusty 335.
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I spent a lot of time playing my Gibson ES335 during the second set. That gave me a chance to resurrect some old rock and roll licks between songs. The crowd enjoyed the classic rock flavor which included a medley of some works by Santana, The Georgia Satellites and even a short piece from Ozzy Osborne (some classic Randy Rhodes licks - sorry Randy!).
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This session was on April 6th, 2004 at the 6th Street Grill. That's about two blocks from the old Montgomery Wards Building near downtown Fort Worth. The Grill is known for more of a rock-n-roll bluesy sort of crowd.. For this set, I brought out the trusty ol' 335. It's a great axe for heavy grinding tunes that need some punch and lot's of sustain.
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Solo acts are fun to do, but as with almost anything, it's a whole lot better when you play together! Besides, this lets me focus more on the guitar work rather than vocals.. This jam reminded me so much of of the old Free Flight days back in Montgomery Alabama, when I was in my twenties. (I guess that's 50 or 60 years ago?!?) Click the link above to see the Free Flight pages. Bet you can't tell whcih one of those kids wa me!
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June 22, 2004 Finally! Back in the saddle again! I made it out to the White Elephant . It's been several weeks since I played... I must have gotten in a rut or something! Anyway, things are back on track. It was good to see Jeremy there. Turns out my pal from the 6th Street Grill is now helping Brad with the Showcase on Tuesday nights! That's "Grandpa" up there there helping me out with some harmonica backup... This was also the night that Italian Public Television was filming a documentary in Fort Worth and shot some video of some of us onstage. Look for me next time you're in Rome! Wow! My first TV appearance!
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July 13, 2004 Ok, so I had to insert these pages. I neglected to update the website with shots from July 13. Anyway, this shot is me getting ready to start my set onstage. Still doing the cowboy thing with the black hat. Even though it's not my normal style, I guess I am in Texas, so... That's Tim Blazer behind me. He just finished a set with the "Stockyards Motley Crew" Notice the writing on the trim. Jsut ask Amanda for a Sharpie and write your own message. See if you can find the note from my first night at the White Elephant... thanks Jennifer!
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July 13, 2004 After five months of jamming at the Saloon, I'm starting to really get confortable on stage and I have to say, I love it! But those damn gray whiskers are really giving away my age!
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July 13, 2004 Wow! I almost look like a real Texas musician! Too bad this doesn't pay as much as a day time corporate job...
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July 13, 2004 Whatever that is that I'm playing, it sure looks like I'm getting into it! I sure hope it sounded ok..
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July 13, 2004 Sweet... I've got a little harmonica backup in the background on "Ole Red!"
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July 20, 2004 This night I asked "Grandpa" to join me on stage. Grandpa is a local fixture who is in the know with all the local musicians and regularly backs up talent with his bag harmonica. Grandpa is also the guy who turned me on to the 6th street grill and Froggy's!
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July 20, 2004 I like this view because this is where my "posse" always hangs out. Just behind the photographer is the pool table and several high top tables. It's sort of our spot in the bar and this is our view of the stage.
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July 20, 2004 Here's a good shot of Grandpa on stage with me. He does a great country or blues harmonica accompanyment. Thanks to Jeff for all the great pictures!
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July 8, 2004 Well, here it is a couple of weeks later. After a fun time at the lake and playing at a private party... actually just jamming with some good friends on the 4th of July, I decided its time to get back to the White Elephant. I figured since the Italian TV crew wanted someone in a cowboy hat (and I never wear one) it was time I dug something out of the closet and tried to look the part at least! Stay tuned.. the saga continues...
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August 4, 2004 Yep, back at the White Elephant (and back to no cowboy hat). I've actually been playing more but my "official photographer" has been remiss in his duties! I dropped in at the Beer Garden two weeks ago and Brad invited me onstage for an impromptu gig. What a blast that was! I also played in Grapevine at the new "Back Porch" Bar and Grill. They have an open mic night on Wednesdays.
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August 4, 2004 After several months of jamming at the White Elephant and meeting several songwriters, who keep encouraging me to write my own material, I did it. They kept saying "write about what you know and feel." So I wrote a tune about the White Elephant Saloon. After a case of writer's block and with only two verses written, I got together with songwrite James Smith and after a case of beer we finished "The White Elephant Saloon" This was our debut performance and the crowd loved it! Stay tuned for a sample mp3 of the new song!
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August 10, 2004 Well, it looks like this might be my last performance at the White Elephant before heading off to the new job in New Orleans. What a run it has been though! James and I have been working on the White Elephant song and I asked him to join me onstage to back me up and help out with my other tunes. I have to say this was probably the best time I have had onstage at the White Elephant. The crowd really loved the new song and many even sang the words with us! This was truly one of those "magic nights!" Everything just seemed to click. Heck, my guitar was even in tune!
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August 10, 2004 I can't say enough about the staff at the White Elephant. Brad and Jeremy are fantastic and gracious hosts for the showcase. I really wouldn't have gotten back into performing as much if not for their encouragement. And Amanda is the best! She always takes care of our posse to make sure we're having a great time. The camaraderie among the musicians is awesome. I really value their friendship and the encouragement. And special thanks to Tim Blazer for encouraging me to write my own material. Speaking of writing, the "White Elephant Saloon" song never would have seen the light of day without James Smith. I struggled with it for months and after one night working on it with James, we had a finished, polished song. And for those who like to sing along, here's the chorus: "So mosey up the sidewalk, and walk right through that door. Two-step all the way across the sawdust on the floor. Or sit there at the bar and drink your troubles down. Welcome to the old west, here in Cowtown." Words and music copyright © 2004 Jimmy Robinson and James Smith
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August 10, 2004 I guess this picture sums it it all up. Performing live and playing your own original music is like nothing else in the world. And then to have it so well received and hear and see the response from the audience gives you a such feeling of accomplishment and pure joy that you can't help but give back all that love! Thanks White Elephant! All new! James Smith pages click here>> Thanks Bud!
Original archive entryAn original song from the archive.