Eric Robinson (conductor)
Eric Robinson (13 December 1908 – 24 July 1974) was a conductor and presenter of music for the BBC.[1]
During the war, Eric Robinson served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps: in 1943, he was with the depot band at Chilwell Central Ordnance Depot, and conducted "The Blue Rockets", a section of the band who provided light music. He was twice the musical director of the Eurovision Song Contest when staged in London in 1960 & 1963 and on other occasions between 1957 & 1965, Robinson conducted the orchestra accompanying the United Kingdom's entry in the competition.
In 1962, he provided the financial support and backing for the Mellotron tape-replay keyboard, and was heavily involved in the original marketing and promotion. He hoped the popularity of a new and novel instrument would revitalise his career.[2]
Robinson's elder brother Stanford Robinson (1904–84) was a popular conductor and composer.[3]
His daughter Vivienne Robinson married the magician David Nixon in 1961. He died 24 July 1974 aged 65.
References
- ↑ Dee, Philip (1955). "Mr. Eric Robinson". The Aquarist and Pondkeeper. 20-21: 178.
- ↑ Awde, Nick (2008). Mellotron : The Machines and the Musicians that Revolutionised Rock. Bennett & Bloom. p. 44–46. ISBN 978-1-898948-02-5.
- ↑ "Mr Eric Robinson", The Times, 25 July 1974, p. 20
| Media offices | ||
|---|---|---|
Preceded by Franck Pourcel |
Eurovision Song Contest conductor 1960 |
Succeeded by Franck Pourcel |
Preceded by Jean Roderès |
Eurovision Song Contest conductor 1963 |
Succeeded by Kai Mortensen |