HOUSE music icon Robert Owens’ illustrious career started back in 80s Chicago.
The American songwriter, DJ & singer has produced and sung on some of the greatest house tracks of all time; ‘Tears’ alongside Frankie Knuckles & Satoshi Tomiie, ‘Bring Down The Walls’ with Larry Heard as part of Fingers Inc., as well as solo releases ‘I’ll Be Your Friend’ and ‘Mine To Give’ among so many others!
After thirty decades the legend is one of the most distinctive and coveted voices in house and remains at the forefront of the genre, creating a prolific release schedule featuring forthcoming collaborations with electronic music luminaries such as Damian Lazarus, Mark Knight, Gina Breeze (Homoelectric) and Alinka.
Robert’s unique live performances continue to deliver his message to spellbinding audiences across the world with DJ sets embellished by his live vocals – a format which pays testament both to his talent as a singer, and his extensive depth of musical knowledge and selections.
We caught up with Robert and asked him to talk us through a playlist of some of his favourite and most inspirational tracks for our listening pleasure.
Bizio Cool & Robert Owens – Reflect On The Days
This track takes me back to living with my grandmother Sally Borden in Chicago. She was my hero and greatest inspiration. I felt a real sense of security and togetherness because I was surrounded by a strong matriarch and a loving family. These are times I often look back, reflect and smile
The Jacksons – Wanna Be Where You Are
This song also takes me back to childhood memories. The Jacksons were a really inspirational group coming up for me, and helped me channel my desires and dreams to be an entertainer. Watching the passion they conveyed in their performances has always been inspiring to me.
Gwen Guthrie – It Should Have Been You
This track takes me back to the Paradise garage warehouse in music box days, a time when hormones were jumping all over the place! The beauty of this place is engraved in my mind and will always remain a part of my life.
Talking Heads – Once In A Lifetime
This track takes me back to my early days as a DJ and Chicago and the diversity I felt musically, being inspired by some of the clubs in the Chicago area such as flamingos, Den one amongst so many others before house music even entered onto the circuit.
Moon Child – Captain Sky
Again taking me back to a moment in time before house music, when I hung out and lived on the north side of Chicago, the first time I probably heard this track was in the Den. Disco was a big influence on me, cultivating my style coming into the DJ market and this is one of the tracks that influenced me most.
Donny Hathaway – A Song For You
An amazing singer that has always inspired me with the passion he conveyed in his delivery and emotion. When I was a teenager, I wished I could just give a fraction of that delivery, in my own performances one day!
Oliver Summerfield – Elevate
This is a new track from an English artist called Oliver Summerfield. I’m so grateful to have evolved with the new younger generation of musicians and to be collaborating with these artists.
Fenn – Will Survive
This is a beautifully updated version of a classic. Every time I play this to younger crowds, it’s amazing how receptive they are to this new rendition. It’s beautiful and one of the highlights of my recent DJ sets.
The Whatnauts – Help Is On The Way
This one takes me back to my Warehouse, the days of glory! Robert Williams was the founder and one of my greatest inspirations coming up in the house music scene, and being a part of that family was a blessed moment in time.
Martin Badder & Robert Owens – I Cried
Another blessed moment for me, collaborating with one of the new younger generation of producers and artists that I’ve had the privilege to work with. Lyrically, this song is about surviving, rising above but never forgetting the tears I’ve cried. This is how I stay strong, rise above every obstacle and pray that I continue to keep rising no matter what may come.
