Samuel Nish Robinson Jr.

Samuel Nish Robinson Jr was born January 5, 1931 to the late Hattie (Green) Robinson and Nish Robinson in Newark, New Jersey. On July 1, 2025, at the age of 94, Samuel made his journey in peace to his eternal home from the Lebanon VA Medical Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Samuel attended Cleveland Elementary School, went on to Newton Street Middle School, and then Central High School all in Newark, New Jersey. Samuel served his country well in the USA Army and was proud to do so.Afterwards, Samuel (aka Sam, Brother Robinson) became interested in music especially piano. It's been said by Sam's cousin the late Mamie-lee Brown, that it's no surprise, but prophetic, that as a small child, he would set up pots and pans to beat on them like drums. She went on to introduce the fact of the American pop famous late James Brown is in fact a cousin of ours, so music runs deep in the family.

Sam believed in his heart and would quote to you without shame, Ludwig Van Beethoven" To play or sing a wrong note is Insignificant; To play or sing without passion is Inexcusable. " This was very similar to how cousin James Brown came across to the world.

Sam was a true believer in God. He devoted his life and gifts to God wholeheartedly. Many pop entertainers and such introduced themselves to Sam, but Sam never had an interest in secular music. Samuel was first a member as a child of Pilgrim Baptist Church, where the late Reverend Gains was Pastor and also he was a member of Philemon Baptist Church under the late Reverend Davis.

Later, Sam would take piano lessons from the late Reverend Pauline Ballard Samuel played for many church choirs to name a few, he played for New Eden Baptist Church of Newark New Jersey, where he was a member under the late Reverend John H Shorter and then Reverend Bernard Savage. He was also a member and served as choir musician at White Rock Baptist Church in Linden New Jersey, under Reverend Phillips and later Reverend Morris and recently Reverend Little.

Sam loved God and he loved gospel music. With having the gift that he had, with zeal and enthusiasm he saw fit to put a Gospel music group together in the early 1960's, named The Gospel Chords, who at different times consisted of the late Ethel Jackson, the late Johnny Shipley, the late Delmus Moss, the late Joe Roman, the late William Bailey, the late Johnnie Robinson, the late George Turner, the late Mary Wayne, the late Bobbie Fuer, the late Gary Garrett, the late Rosco Gold, Tyree King, Shirley Williams, Reverend William Rutherford Sr.,and Marilyn Rutherford.What an harmonious, concordant, rich sound they had.
Sam also taught and played for The Gospel Girls, of Newark New Jersey, who consisted of Shonda Boston Brewer, Valarie Martin Higginbottom, Tracy Robinson Ankrah, and Angela Martin who was all under his superb direction.

The Back to God Crusade Choir who consisted of numerous member from Newark churches was an enormous spirit filled choir who would minister during a week long revival annually under the direction of Samuel Robinson and other musicians such as Samuel Sneed, Alex Mack Jr. and the late Edgar Kendrick.

Somewhere around the nineteen seventies, Sam had put together a program entitled The Garden of Prayer.
The Garden of Prayer was just that. The church would be decorated with all sorts of flowers. It was as beautiful as can be. The late Sis Gladys Washington was the dynamic Misstress of ceremony, There would be singing from soloist to groups to even poetry and sometimes a praise dance that would come slowly down the aisle to the altar, praising God and lifting up our Lord and Savior, Jesus. During that time, healing would take place. At the end of the program, all who wanted to would meet in the garden at the altar to pray. It was a beautiful thing, and God was glorified.

Though music was Sam's main occupation, he was also employed as a full-time Manager at Robbie's Community Church Supplies and part-time at SKlein Department Store as a Elevator Operator. This was right up his alley to greet people.

Sam has always loved God and loved people. Even in his last days, while in the hospital, he would greet people as they came to visit their loved ones. He would say it's a Beautiful day, so smile and always be kind. This is how he was, very upbeat, always dancing around and laughing. He was kind to everyone he came across.

Though he had no children of his own, he took on the role of a father at times, always assisting his family, starting with his sisters, Martha and Catherine, and also spent quite a bit of quality time with his nieces and nephews, going to Amusement parks, like Coney Island and Palisades Park, attending Holiday Parades and his all time favorite, going to movie theaters.

Samuel was preceded in death by his father Nish Robinson, mother Hattie (Green) Robinson, his brothers, Lee Robinson, Frank Robinson and William Robinson, sisters Leola Robinson, Ruth Williams and Catherine Robinson, aunt Estelle Matthew, brother in law, Curtis Martin, niece, Lynn McAllister. He leaves to cherish fond memories his sister, Martha Martin, nephew Terry Martin, nieces, Lavern Martin, Valarie Higginbottom (Anthony Higginbottom) Tracy Robinson Ankrah and Angela Martin, cousin Frank Matthews and a host of great and great great nieces and nephews.