08/05/2018
Remembering Jimi — A bright light of the Chicago music scene went out this week. Jimi Robinson, our friend, band mate and brother-in-music passed into spirit. Jimi was the co-founder and original bass player of Heavy Manners. He was an innovator in Chicago’s reggae music scene in the late 70’s and 80’s, and just about everyone on Belmont Avenue knew him from his easy smile, quick humor, and flowing dreadlocks.
Jimi was among Chicago’s first reggae evangelists and helped propel the music to the forefront of the scene. Some of you may recall his Rockers Arena DJing days and saw him MC at the Wild Hare. You may have seen one of the reggae bands he helped bring to town. You may have even purchased an early reggae recording that Jimi imported from Jamaica so he could share it and spread the joy of reggae music.
Jimi had more in mind than just bringing reggae and ska music to Chicago. He wanted to play it, and play it he did, founding Heavy Manners in 1980. His steady and straight-forward bass lines provided the deep grooves for slow reggae riddims and the up-tempo driving pulse of ska. Jimi got it right. Clean, simple, and always danceable. His humor and point of view added a quirky, fun, cool element to the setlist, penning many songs, including the band’s second single “Taking the Queen to Tea.”
As his band mates, when we learned of his passing, memories came rushing back...jam sessions and rehearsals, hundreds of gigs, recording sessions, traveling, hilarious dressing room banter, fans and friends, dive clubs we played, and historic venues — he loved it all. Jimi was the instigator for the Peter Tosh recording sessions and booking the band at Park West for a benefit gig that sold out and began a unique relationship with that venue. Jimi had a heart of gold, always available for fans, friends, and all of us in his band.
Jimi hung up his bass for good after one of our 2010 shows. He wanted to focus on his family and his growing business interests. At first, it was strange being on stage without him but thanks to Smokin’ Joe Thomas who took over for Jimi, we played on, always including his songs.
Rest in peace dear brother. We will all miss you but we hope to jam again. We know you’re bringing your cool vibes to the heavens. Just keep the door cracked open so we can listen.
