Just Us

Eric Robinson

Composer, performer, hidden architect

Eric Robinson is an American-born composer, pianist, arranger and performer whose influence quietly threaded through disco, soul and early dance music, even as his name often remained in the margins.

A child music prodigy, Robinson’s talents were recognised early, leading to formative professional work in the United States and a contract with Motown Records, where his song-writing and arranging skills were honed.

In 1980, Robinson co-wrote “Just Us” with Victor Orsborn — released on the debut Two Tons O’ Fun album — a soulful dance track that became a club favourite and remains a touchstone of early post-Sylvester dance music.

By the mid-1980s, Robinson had made London his creative home, contributing to and performing within the city’s vibrant club circuit. He was a vivid presence within the city’s Black queer club ecosystem; performing, writing and collaborating while remaining largely uncredited by history. In addition to his work with Two Tons O’ Fun, he recorded solo albums and collaborated with artists across various genres, including Sylvester, S-Express, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and others.

"Eric was one of the Soho faces ;knew everybody, and was a whirlwind of musical energy.

I met him when he set up a gospel/soul/trance choir, at a mutual friend's home in Finsbury Park in the late 1990s. One day Billie Ray Martin popped by and sang 'Make it Happen' by Mariah Carey. Extraordinary times. You would never have guessed Eric's musical history by meeting him. He never uttered a word. A few of my friendship circle at the time knew, and maybe some industry people - but that was it...." Shaun Wallace

Captured above in 1984 by Dave Swindells at The Lift at The Fridge, Eric Robinson was more than a composer/performer.... he was a living conduit of musical knowledge, joy and lineage — and is a living reminder of how many luminaries shaped the culture from within the room, rather than the spotlight.