INTERVIEW<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a world where talent takes you far, Keith Robinson is ahead of the game. He\u2019s a true triple threat \u2014 having already mastered acting and songwriting, he\u2019s now positioning himself to take over the music world with a velvety voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before he made his way to Tinseltown, the Kentucky native set his sights on music, and attended the University of Georgia. Upon coming to Los Angeles, Keith had a chance meeting with a talent manager who jumpstarted his acting career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since then, he\u2019s thrived, landing an incredible 50+ projects in television and film while continuing to pursue his musical career\u2013 often placing songs in the acting projects he stars in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keith may be best known for his critically acclaimed performance as \u201cC.C. White\u201d in the Academy Award-winning feature film, Dreamgirls<\/em>. His big solo in the musical, \u201cPatience,\u201d which he also performed live at the Academy Awards, earned an Oscar nomination in the Best Song category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After Dreamgirls<\/em>, he released his debut album, Utopia. On the acting side, he subsequently starred in This Christmas<\/em>, Dear John<\/em>, 35 and Ticking<\/em>, and Hopelessly in June<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, Keith talks about his new film, the James Brown biopic Get on Up<\/em>, where he co-stars opposite Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd..<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kam Williams:<\/strong> Hi Keith, thanks for the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keith Robinson:<\/strong> Thanks for having me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> What interested you in Get on Up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> As a musician, I was heavily influenced by James Brown\u2019s music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> What was it like working with Tate Taylor and such a star-studded cast?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Tate is a really cool director because he has a clear vision of what he wants but still gives his actors freedom to collaborate in the process. That\u2019s rare. Working with a cast where everyone is really talented puts you at ease, actually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> How would you describe your character, Baby Roy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Baby Roy is the young exuberant one who just really loves to perform and be on stage as much as possible. He\u2019s what I like to think as the artist who still has those stars in his eyes and believes it\u2019s all about the music and hasn\u2019t been tainted yet. [LOL]<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> What message do you think people will take away from the film?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> That James Brown is the epitome of perseverance. You can never underestimate the magnetic power of self belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> Are you a James Brown fan? What\u2019s your favorite song of his?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Absolutely. \u201cI\u2019ll Go Crazy,\u201d which I recently remade. http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/exec\/obidos\/ASIN\/B005OH17VA\/ref=nosim\/thslfofire-20<\/a> And \u201cIt\u2019s a Man\u2019s World,\u201d of course. http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/exec\/obidos\/ASIN\/B004HZDJSO\/ref=nosim\/thslfofire-20<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> Your big break was when you landed the role on TV as the Green Ranger on the Power Rangers. Did you have a martial arts background?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Not at all. I was just a good athlete and I had been in a few fights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> You were signed by Motown while you were still a student at the University of Georgia. What prompted your move from music to acting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> I never really made a \u201cmove\u201d from one to the other. Acting came second once I moved to Hollywood on a chance audition for the \u201cPower Rangers.\u201d I\u2019ve been doing both ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Hmmm\u2026 I think I\u2019ve heard them all at this point. [Laughs]<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> Would you mind saying something controversial that would get this interview tweeted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> [LOL] Reality shows disgust me. Specifically, the ones that make black people look trifling and super melodramatic. You know who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> Have you ever had a near-death experience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Only in my sleep, thank God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> Have you ever accidentally uncovered a deep secret?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Yep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Yeah, I\u2019ve been afraid\u2013usually right before a movie drops. [Laughs some more]<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> What is your guiltiest pleasure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Twizzlers and naked body surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KW:<\/strong> The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?<\/p>\n\n\n\n KR:<\/strong> Fifty Shades of Grey. I had to see what all the fuss was about\u2026 and learn a few new tips. http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/exec\/obidos\/ASIN\/0345803485\/ref=nosim\/thslfofire-20<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n