Robin Seymour’s radio and television career spanned everything from the big band era right through the British invasion and into the psychedelic era, with notable stints on WKMH (the precursor to WKNR) "Bobbin with Robin" in the afternoons and at CKLW where he took
to the video airwaves as well. He had an uncanny ability to spot hot new artists.
Patterned after the nationally successful "American Bandstand," Seymour’s “Swingin Time” dance party was a popular commodity
on Windsor's Channel 9 from early 1965 through 1968. The show, which aired six days a week, typically featured 50 to 75 dancing high-schoolers, from which two were chosen to give their “yea” or “boo” opinion on new records.
National touring acts -- even Frank Zappa
and the Mothers of Invention-- landed
on the his stage as they'd pass through
the Motor City, but it was local entertainers,
both black and white, including Motown artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops,
Martha and the Vandellas and The Supremes
as well as George Clinton's Parliaments and
fresh-faced suburban kids like Bob Seger,
Glenn Frey and Ted Nugent who assured
a spirited time and really made the show.
Nearly every Detroit musical artist or
band of consequence with a record
(or sometimes just a demo) managed to get booked. But no live performances -- the studio wasn't equipped for that, so artists would
lip-synch their records, often to inadvertent
(and deliberate) comical effect.
Worth noting is Seymour's
affection for The Rationals.
Not only were they the most
frequently booked local group
on his show, which contributed
greatly to their popularity and
record sales in Detroit, but Robin
was also instrumental in helping
them get their final single and
their one-and-only album to
market in early 1970.
Robin has attended several
reunions in Detroit, including
a broadcaster's reunion in 2005,
After a successful, award-winning career as owner of Opportunity Productions, a video production company based in Redondo Beach CA, Robin and his wife, Gail, retired and moved to Phoenix AZ.
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talk about Robin in his interview with Art Cervi,
co-creator of 'Swingin' Time.'
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Below: Robin interviews Berry Gordy.
