The Love Story Of Music Legends: Carlos Alomar And Robin Clark

Carlos Alomar, a Puerto Rican native raised in the Bronx, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to music, having worked with legends like David Bowie and Luther Vandross. With over 32 international gold and platinum records, Alomar’s journey began in the vibrant musical landscape of the Bronx, where he fused gospel, R&B, and rock influences. It was during his early years as a guitarist in the Apollo Theater’s Reuben Phillips Orchestra that he met Robin Clark.

Robin Clark, an acclaimed American vocalist, grew up in a musical family, with her father being a jazz drummer. Her career took off as she collaborated with the likes of David Bowie and Simple Minds, marking her as a prominent figure in the music scene. The couple’s paths crossed in the late 1960s when they were both part of the group Listen My Brother, managed by Apollo Theater’s Bobby Schiffman. Their shared passion for music laid the foundation for a deep bond that would last a lifetime.

Reflecting on their initial encounter, Alomar reminisced, “Music was the thread that bound us. From the moment we started singing and playing together, it just clicked.” This connection blossomed into romance, and the couple married in 1970. Clark added, “Our love story is rooted in trust and belief in each other. We’ve cherished one another through thick and thin, always finding joy and laughter in our lives together.”

The interview delved into their musical inspirations, with Alomar citing legends like James Brown and Jimi Hendrix as formative influences, while Clark spoke fondly of artists such as Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin. “We never set out to be music royalty; we just wanted to create music that resonated with people,” Alomar noted, reflecting on their legacy in the industry.

As they spoke about their illustrious careers, it became clear that their partnership has been a source of strength and inspiration. Both artists have collaborated on numerous projects, including Alomar’s innovative guitar work on Bowie’s “Young Americans” and Clark’s stunning vocals on Simple Minds’ “Once Upon A Time.” Their contributions to music have not only shaped their individual careers but have also left an indelible mark on the industry as a whole.

The couple also shared their experiences participating in the recent documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” which honors the late Luther Vandross, a close friend and collaborator. “Being part of this documentary was our way of honoring his incredible legacy,” Alomar expressed, highlighting the emotional weight of reliving those cherished memories.

As they continue to create and explore new musical avenues, Carlos and Robin remain dedicated to inspiring the next generation of artists. With Alomar’s upcoming tour, “Carlos Alomar Presents: The D.A.M. Trilogy – Back to Berlin,” and Clark’s contributions to the Grammy-nominated “The Color Purple” soundtrack, the couple is far from slowing down.

In closing, Carlos Alomar and Robin Clark’s love story is a testament to the power of music as a unifying force. Their journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering support for one another, serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and lovers alike. As they continue their odyssey, their hearts remain intertwined, with music as the everlasting soundtrack to their lives.

Carlos Alomar: A Musical Icon with a Legacy of Innovation

Carlos Alomar, hailing from Puerto Rico and raised as the son of a minister in the Bronx, has made an indelible mark on the music industry, boasting more than 32 international gold and platinum records. His evolution from a young boy in the Bronx to a globally recognized guitar virtuoso epitomizes a journey characterized by relentless creativity, genre-blending artistry, and extraordinary adaptability.

Alomar’s musical roots were established in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, where the gospel hymns of his father’s church intermingled with the vibrant sounds of R&B and rock. By the age of 10, he had already begun playing guitar, quickly showcasing his talent which led him to become the youngest guitarist in the Apollo Theater’s renowned Reuben Phillips Orchestra. At just 16, he was sharing the stage with legends like James Brown and Chuck Berry. A pivotal moment came when he joined Listen My Brother, a musical workshop that paved the way for enduring collaborations with Luther Vandross and Robin Clark, who would later become his wife.

In the early 1970s, Alomar’s career took a transformative turn upon meeting David Bowie at RCA Studios. This encounter sparked a creative partnership that would last over three decades. Alomar invited Vandross and Clark to lend their vocals to Bowie’s influential “Young Americans” album, contributing to a sound that defined an era. He co-wrote Bowie’s first U.S. No. 1 hit, “Fame,” alongside John Lennon and Bowie himself. Alomar’s groundbreaking guitar work became an essential element of Bowie’s artistic evolution, influencing iconic albums such as “Young Americans,” “Station to Station,” and the revolutionary Berlin Trilogy (comprising “Low,” “Heroes,” and “Lodger”), where he helped pioneer ambient and electronic music in collaboration with Bowie and Brian Eno.

Beyond his work with Bowie, Alomar’s guitar skills and songwriting fueled hits like Mick Jagger’s debut solo single “She’s the Boss” and Iggy Pop’s classic “Sister Midnight.” Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with an impressive array of music legends, including Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Alicia Keys, and Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. As a prominent Latino figure in rock, Alomar has also played a significant role in Latin music, serving as a producer, mentor, and advocate for Latino artists, including producing for the iconic Latin rock band Soda Stereo.

In 1984, Carlos Alomar released his debut album, “Dream Generator,” which embraced the then-emerging realm of guitar synthesizers. The album is regarded as one of the earliest instrumental works utilizing this innovative technology, blending intricate Japanese-inspired melodies with ambient soundscapes, showcasing Alomar’s vision for the future of music.

A passionate advocate for education and innovation, Alomar was appointed Distinguished Artist in Residence at Stevens Institute of Technology in 2010, where he later became the director of the Sound Synthesis Research Center. In this role, he is at the forefront of using digital technology to inspire a new generation of musicians and redefine the boundaries of sound creation.

Over the years, Alomar has been featured in several acclaimed documentaries, including the BBC’s “David Bowie: Five Years,” “David Bowie: The Last Five Years,” and EPIX’s “By Whatever Means Necessary.” More recently, he appeared in the celebrated documentary “Luther: Never Too Much.”

Carlos Alomar’s enduring legacy as a producer, mentor, and performer continues to thrive, with his story reflecting a journey of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to breaking conventions.

Robin Clark: A Celebrated Vocalist with a Rich Legacy

Robin Clark is an American vocalist acclaimed for her contributions to music, particularly her work on the 1985 multi-platinum album “Once Upon A Time” by the Scottish band Simple Minds, as well as her collaborations on David Bowie’s “Young Americans” album and the subsequent tour.

Clark was born in New York City to jazz drummer Bill Clark and Rita Clark. During her high school years, she worked alongside future singer and songwriter Luther Vandross in the stockroom of Alexander’s department store in Manhattan. The two began performing in talent shows and later joined a 16-member group called Listen My Brother, managed by Apollo Theater owner Bobby Schiffman and publicist Peter Long. It was through this group that Clark met Alomar, who would later become her husband. In 1969, the trio of Alomar, Vandross, and Clark performed on the pilot and premiere of “Sesame Street.”

In 1984, Clark released her solo album “Surrender,” produced by John Hammond and featuring members of David Bowie’s band. Since then, she has lent her vocal talents to numerous live tours, albums, radio programs, television shows, and commercials, including the long-running jingle “Jamaica One Love” for the Jamaica Tourist Board. Clark has also contributed to various movie soundtracks and appeared in films and music videos.

As a guest vocalist on Simple Minds’ “Once Upon A Time,” Clark toured with the band from 1985 to 1987 during their ‘Alive and Kicking’ world tour. She has collaborated with Luther Vandross on multiple recordings and has toured with artists such as Patty Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, and the Japanese supergroup Dreams Come True. Her appearances in documentaries like “David Bowie’s ‘5 Years’,” the Academy Award-winning “20 Feet From Stardom,” and EPIX’s “By Whatever Means Necessary,” further highlight her impressive career. Most recently, she is featured in the documentary “Luther: Never Too Much.”

Clark’s extensive discography includes collaborations with an array of celebrated artists, including David Bowie, Melba Moore, the B B Q Band, Luther Vandross, Al Green, Bette Midler, Chic, Change, Jill Scott, and many more. Currently, she appears on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack for “The Color Purple,” featuring Alicia Keys.

In an interview, Carlos and Robin shared insights into their extraordinary love story, musical inspirations, and experiences as music royalty. They express gratitude for their impactful careers and emphasize the importance of professionalism and dedication in the music industry. As they continue to create and collaborate, both Carlos and Robin remain committed to inspiring future generations of musicians, proving that their journey is far from over.