Red Robinson
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Red Robinson (born March 30, 1937 in Comox, British Columbia) was one of the first Canadian disc jockeys to play Rock and Roll music, both in the Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon markets.
While still in high school in 1954, Robinson started working as a disc jockey at the age of 16 at radio station CJOR. He was one of the first DJ's to play Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and other Rock and Roll artists on a regular basis in Canada. In 1957, he was the host of the Elvis Presley concert at Vancouver's Empire Stadium, and repeated the experience at the same venue with The Beatles in 1964.
Over the years, Robinson worked at many radio and TV stations in Vancouver and Portland, including CKWX, KGW, CFUN, and the CBC. Robinson was also the host for KVOS-TV's "Red's Classic Theatre".
Robinson promoted "The Legends of Rock 'N Roll" at Expo 86, and presented dozens of Rock and Roll giants at the Expo Theatre, including:
Robinson officially retired from radio in 2001, but continued to broadcast his Oldies show Sundays on the radio station 650 CISL.
In October 2007, Red Robinson moved to Vancouver's 104.9 Clear FM. Red Rock Diner is heard from 6-12PM Saturdays. Streaming audio at www.1049clearfm.com
[edit] Trivia
In 1997, Robinson was elected to the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame.
In 2000, Robinson was elected to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
in 2006, the 1,074-seat Red Robinson Show Theatre was named in Robinson's honour. Among those attending the gala opening were disc jockey Wink Martindale, entertainer Peter Reveen, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President Terry Stewart, while Paul Revere and the Raiders and Bill Medley (of The Righteous Brothers) provided the entertainment. Robinson makes regular appearances to meet with the audience prior to many performances at the theatre.
In 2007 Red Robinson became a member of the nominating committee of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
