Cock Robin

Cock Robin was an American modern pop quartet behind a 1985 Columbia album and the European hits “The Promise You Made” and “When Your Heart Is Weak.” Singer Anna LaCazio and multi-instrumentalist Peter Kingsbery continued as a duo for the 1987–89 CBS albums After Here Through Midland and First Love / Last Rites, charting again overseas with “Just Around the Corner.”

Members: Peter Kingsbery (bass, keyboards, programming, vocals), Anna Lacazio (keyboards, vocals, 1982-2015), Louis Molino III (percussion, drums, vocals, 1982-90), Clive Wright (guitar, keyboards, 1982-90), Coralie Vuillemin (vocals, ?-present)

Background

Cock Robin formed in 1982 in Los Angeles when singer-keyboardist Peter Kingsbery partnered with vocalist Anna LaCazio, a longtime friend from the local music circuit. They recruited English guitarist Clive Wright and Philadelphia drummer Lou Molino III through advertisements in local music papers.

Kingsbery grew up in Austin, Texas, and earned a music degree at the University of Texas. He moved to Nashville, where he wrote country songs and toured as pianist for singer Brenda Lee. He then settled in Los Angeles and pursued a solo career while pitching songs to publishers and recording artists. Smokey Robinson cut the Kingsbery number “As You Do” for the 1981 Motown album Being with You.

LaCazio grew up in suburban Los Angeles and began singing at fifteen. She met Kingsbery as a teenager, and both worked in separate local groups and demo studios. After several unsuccessful attempts at solo recording deals, the two joined forces around the Kingsbery songbook. They developed a shared vocal approach and adopted the Cock Robin name from an illustrated English children’s book based on The Marriage of Robin Redbreast and the Wren, an 1826 nursery tale originated by Scottish poetess Isabella Burns (1771–1858).

Kingsbery wrote “Pilot Error” for LaCazio, but manager Jay Landers brought the song to Stephanie Mills for her 1983 Casablanca album Merciless. Landers previously worked as a song-placement consultant for the Entertainment Company, where he sought repertoire for established singers. He financed Cock Robin rehearsals and demo sessions while the quartet developed a live act. By 1983, the group worked with producer Ken Scott and attracted attention on the Los Angeles club circuit.

Cock Robin played five support engagements for Billy Idol, including a concert before 15,000 people. In May 1984, Columbia A&R executive Ron Oberman attended local performances and signed the quartet. The label enlisted former Gong guitarist Steve Hillage, who had produced the 1983 Real Life album Heartland. Cock Robin entered Los Angeles studios with Hillage and engineer Gabe Veltri for the 1985 Columbia debut Cock Robin.

Discography:

• Cock Robin (1985)
• After Here Through Midland (1987)
• First Love / Last Rites (1989)

References and notes

• Music Connection – November 14, 1988. Kingsbery discusses Austin studies, Nashville, Los Angeles, Landers, and the original vocal partnership. (Pages 44–45)
• Qobuz: Smokey Robinson – 1981. Original Motown credits identify Kingsbery as writer of “As You Do.” (Album credits)
• The Second Disc – October 15, 2014. Reissue research confirms Brenda Lee touring and the early Kingsbery career. (Retrospective)
• United Press International – October 18, 1985. LaCazio recalls her early singing career and longstanding friendship with Kingsbery. (Interview)
• Cash Box – July 13, 1985. Firsthand formation account identifies musician advertisements, demo development, and Landers management. (Points West)
• Music Connection – September 2, 1985. Landers explains his publishing background, early financial support, and Columbia negotiations. (Interview)
• Daily Sundial – August 1985. Contemporary follow-up identifies Ken Scott and the pre-contract demo period. (Band interview)
• Music Connection – September 27, 1984. Confirms May Columbia signing, Billy Idol engagements, and Steve Hillage production. (Page 17)
• Billboard – July 20, 1985. Contemporary band profile identifies the Cock Robin bookmark and founding personnel. (Band profile)
• MusicBrainz – Undated. Transcribes original LP personnel, production, and mixing credits. (Album credits)