Cynthia Robinson, American R&B trumpet player and singer (d 2015)

Cynthia Robinson (January 12, 1944 – November 23, 2015) was a trailblazing American musician, celebrated primarily as a founding member, the dynamic trumpeter, and an engaging vocalist for the iconic funk, soul, and psychedelic rock band, Sly and the Family Stone. Her multifaceted contributions were pivotal to the group's groundbreaking sound and electrifying live performances, cementing her legacy as a foundational figure in modern music.

Robinson's distinctive voice and powerful stage presence were prominently featured on some of the band's biggest hits, including the high-energy anthem "Dance to the Music" (released in 1968) and the transformative "I Want to Take You Higher" (1969). On these tracks and many others, her spirited ad-libs, vocal interjections, and infectious calls to action served not only to complement Sly Stone's lead but also to directly engage audiences, pushing the energy of their performances to exhilarating levels. This unique ability led Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the acclaimed drummer and bandleader of The Roots, to famously dub Robinson the original "hypeman" – a term typically associated with hip-hop, highlighting her unparalleled skill in igniting the crowd and amplifying the band's collective energy.

Beyond her vocal contributions, Cynthia Robinson shattered gender barriers as a pioneering instrumentalist. She stands as one of the very first female trumpeters to achieve prominence in a major American band of global renown, and notably, the first female trumpeter to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone (inducted in 1993). Her presence on stage with a trumpet challenged conventional norms of the era, inspiring countless aspiring female musicians.

Robinson's enduring collaboration with Sly Stone began in 1966 with the formation of an earlier project called The Stoners. Though this initial endeavor was short-lived, it quickly evolved into the seminal Sly and the Family Stone. This new group was revolutionary for its time, featuring a truly integrated lineup of male and female musicians representing diverse racial backgrounds – a profoundly novel and audacious concept in the socially charged 1960s, reflecting a powerful message of unity and harmony during the Civil Rights Movement. Within this trailblazing ensemble, Robinson became an indispensable fixture alongside her talented cousin, Larry Graham, who redefined bass playing with his innovative slap technique.

Even after the original Sly and the Family Stone disbanded in 1975, Cynthia Robinson's commitment to the musical vision persisted. She was the sole member of the seminal lineup to continue working with Sly Stone on subsequent projects, demonstrating her deep loyalty and enduring artistic connection. Her expansive career also saw her collaborate with her cousin Larry Graham in the highly influential funk band Graham Central Station, starting in the 1990s, where she continued to contribute her signature brass sound. Furthermore, Robinson's talents were sought after by other legendary figures in music, leading to collaborations with funk architect George Clinton (known for Parliament-Funkadelic) and the incomparable multi-instrumentalist and performer Prince, underscoring her versatility and respected standing within the music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cynthia Robinson

Who was Cynthia Robinson in Sly and the Family Stone?

Cynthia Robinson was a founding member, the trumpeter, and a vibrant vocalist for the iconic funk, soul, and psychedelic rock band, Sly and the Family Stone. She was celebrated for her distinctive ad-libs, engaging stage presence, and groundbreaking role as a female instrumentalist.

What was Cynthia Robinson's role on hits like "Dance to the Music" and "I Want to Take You Higher"?

On these seminal tracks, Cynthia Robinson provided energetic vocal interjections, call-and-response segments, and a powerful stage presence that elevated the band's performances. Her contributions were integral to the high-energy feel and audience engagement of these songs.

Why was Cynthia Robinson called the "original hypeman"?

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of The Roots famously coined this term for Cynthia Robinson due to her exceptional ability to excite the crowd, engage with the audience, and amplify the band's energy during live shows, a role often associated with modern hip-hop "hypemen."

Was Cynthia Robinson a pioneer for female musicians?

Absolutely. Cynthia Robinson was one of the first female trumpeters to gain significant recognition in a major American band and holds the distinction of being the first female trumpeter inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Sly and the Family Stone, inspiring many others.

Did Cynthia Robinson work with other famous musicians after Sly and the Family Stone?

Yes, after Sly and the Family Stone, she continued to collaborate with Sly Stone, played with her cousin Larry Graham in Graham Central Station, and also contributed to projects with music legends like George Clinton and Prince, showcasing her diverse musical reach.