Vicki Sue Robinson was a singer, actress, and back-up vocalist who rose to fame in the late 1970s with her disco hit “Turn the Beat Around”. She was also a Broadway performer, a model, and a feminist activist. But her life was cut short by cancer at the age of 45. How did she die and what was her legacy?
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Early Life and Career
Vicki Sue Robinson was born in Harlem, New York, on May 31, 1954. Her father was a Black Shakespearean actor and her mother was a white folk singer. She grew up in a multicultural and artistic environment, and began singing at the age of six. She made her professional debut in the Broadway musical Hair when she was 16, and later joined the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. She also appeared in some films, such as Going Home and To Find A Man.
Robinson started her recording career as a back-up vocalist for artists like Todd Rundgren, Bette Midler, Carly Simon, and Barbra Streisand. She also worked with Japanese musicians Sadistic Mika Band and Itsuru Shimoda. In 1975, she signed with RCA Records and released her first solo album, Never Gonna Let You Go.
Disco Stardom and “Turn the Beat Around”
The album featured the song “Turn the Beat Around”, written by Pete and Gerald Jackson. The song was a catchy and energetic disco anthem that showcased Robinson’s powerful vocals and range. It became a huge hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the disco chart. It also earned Robinson a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Female Vocal Performance.
“Turn the Beat Around” became Robinson’s signature song and one of the most iconic songs of the disco era. It has been covered by many artists, such as Gloria Estefan, Laura Branigan, and Jessica Simpson. It has also been featured in many films, TV shows, and commercials, such as The Full Monty, The Specialist, American Idol, and Burger King.
Robinson released three more albums for RCA: Vicki Sue Robinson (1976), Half & Half (1978), and Movin’ On (1979). She had some minor hits, such as “Daylight” and “Hold Tight”, but none matched the success of “Turn the Beat Around”. She also faced some challenges in her personal life, such as a divorce from her husband Ben Harney, a Broadway actor.
Later Years and Activism
After disco faded in popularity in the early 1980s, Robinson continued to work as a singer and songwriter. She recorded some singles for Prelude Records and Ariola Records, but none charted. She also sang jingles for various products and companies, such as Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, and Ford.
Robinson was also involved in various social causes. She was a supporter of Ms. magazine and its founder Gloria Steinem. She participated in events such as the Women’s March on Washington in 1989 and the AIDS Walk New York in 1993. She also performed at benefits for organizations such as Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Planned Parenthood.
In 1999, Robinson wrote and starred in an autobiographical one-woman show called Vicki Sue Robinson: Behind the Beat. The show chronicled her life story through songs and stories. It was well received by critics and audiences alike.
Death and Legacy
In late 1999, Robinson was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer had spread to other parts of her body. She died on April 27, 2000, at her home in Wilton, Connecticut. She was surrounded by her family and friends.
Robinson’s death shocked and saddened her fans and peers. Many tributes were paid to her by celebrities such as Gloria Estefan, Barry Manilow, Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, and Martha Wash. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of people who celebrated her life and music.
Robinson is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile singers of her generation. She had a unique voice that could express emotion, passion, joy, and sorrow. She had a diverse musical style that ranged from disco to pop to R&B to gospel. She had a charismatic personality that inspired many people.
Vicki Sue Robinson’s cause of death was tragic, but her legacy lives on through her music and her message. She was a woman who turned the beat around in more ways than one.
