A noted journalist in the 1970s, Robert Ford Jr. was a writer’s writer. That would prove to be just one of his many talents. With his vast musical knowledge, Ford was a black music writer for Billboard magazine who was an early chronicler of the New York hip-hop scene. Ford’s article, “B-Beats Bombarding Bronx: Mobile DJ Starts Something With Oldie R&B Disks,” which ran in Billboard’s July 1, 1978 issue, is considered to be the first coverage of the hip-hop era in a mainstream publication.
A writer, producer and hip-hop pioneer, Ford, known as Rocky to his friends, is credited with recognizing the rapidly evolving hip-hop scene by publishing the May 1979 article, “Jive Talking N.Y. DJs Rapping Away in Black Discos,” which explored how D.J.s were beginning to rap to their crowds as they spun records. At a chance meeting, Rocky met Joseph Simmons, later known as Run of Run-DMC, who introduced him to his brother, Russell. Rocky and Russell Simmons forged a friendship and eventually, Rocky worked as a vice president at Rush Productions.
In 1979, Rocky left Billboard to focus on music and partnered with former Billboard colleague J.B. Moore on the holiday single, “Christmas Rappin” for Kurtis Blow. Rocky’s most important association during his early career was Blow and also became his tour manager. He later co-wrote and co-produced Blow’s landmark single, “The Breaks,” the first rap song to be certified gold by the RIAA.
Rocky & J.B. produced the first three albums for the group Full Force. They also produced “Rappin’ Rodney,” for Rodney Dangerfield and “City of Crime,” rapped by Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd in the movie “Dragnet.” Ford also managed the group Hi-Five. Rocky, born on June 30, 1949, in Harlem, graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and briefly attended Queensborough Community College. He worked as a production manager at both Forbes magazine and Billboard before switching to writing.
Robert Ford Jr. died on May 19, 2020, at the age of 70. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Robert “Rocky” Ford Jr. so others don’t forget.
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