Robin Kenyatta

Robin Kenyatta (March 6, 1942 – October 26, 2004) was an American jazz alto saxophonist.

Early life Born Robert Prince Haynes in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Kenyatta grew up in New York City and began playing the saxophone at the age of 14. He was mostly self-taught, learning alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones and flute, but received encouragement and help from professional musicians such as John Handy.

Career Kenyatta joined the United States Army in 1962 and played in a military band for two years. Upon being discharged, he returned to New York and adopted the name Kenyatta as a tribute to Jomo Kenyatta, the Kenyan anti-colonial activist, and began pursuing a career as a professional musician. According to Dixon biographer Benjamin Young, "Kenyatta became such an effective part of the group as Logan was recovering that the latter never rejoined Dixon's outfit." and with the Jazz Composer's Orchestra at the same location from April 9 to April 11 of that year. He also appeared on the Jazz Composer's Orchestra album Communication, recorded on April 10.

Later that year, Kenyatta made his first recorded appearance on the album Portrait In Soul by pianist and composer Valerie Capers. In 1966, he appeared on Sonny Stitt's album Deuces Wild, as well as Roswell Rudd's Everywhere and Dixon's Intents and Purposes. Kenyatta released Until, his first album as a leader, the following year. 1973: Terra Nova (Atlantic, 1973) 1974: Stompin' at the Savoy (Atlantic, 1974) 1969, 1975: Beggars & Stealers (Muse, 1977) 1975: Nomusa (Muse, 1975) 1976?: Encourage the People (Wolf, 1976) 1977: Beggars And Stealers (Muse, 1977) 1979: Take the Heat off Me (Jazz Dance, 1979) 1987, 1989: Live at Cully: Blues for Mama Doll (Jazz Dance, 1989) 1991?: Ghost Stories featuring Ronnie Burrage (ITM Pacific, 1991) 2001?: Cool Blue (Jazz Dance, 2001)

As a member Jazz Composer's Orchestra Communication (JCO, 1965)

As sideman With Roswell Rudd Everywhere (Impulse!, 1966) – also released as part of Mixed (1998) Blown Bone (Emanem, 2006) – 1 track

With Archie Shepp For Losers (Impulse!, 1971) Kwanza (Impulse!, 1974)

With Alan Silva Seasons (BYG Actuel, 1971) My Country (Leo, 1989)

With others Oscar Brown Jr., Brother Where Are You (Atlantic, 1974) Valerie Capers, Portrait in Soul (Atlantic, 1966) Ted Curson, Quicksand (Atlantic, 1974) Bill Dixon, Intents and Purposes (RCA Victor, 1967) Andrew Hill, Spiral (Freedom, 1975) Sam Rivers, Crystals (Impulse!, 1974) Sonny Stitt, Deuces Wild (Atlantic, 1966)