William "Bill" Robinson was born in Abilene, KS on July 13, 1927. He attended school in Abilene, graduating High School in 1945. He attempted to enlist in the Navy but high blood pressure kept him from passing his physical. Finally drafted into the Army Robinson went to Fort Leavenworth, where unusal circumstances lead him to join the Marines. Robinson took his basic training in San Diego where his musical background was discovered, leading his entry into the military band. Robinson was later deployed and spent time in Hawaii, Okinawan, and China first in the 2nd Air Force Band and then in the 1st Marine Band. He returned to Abilene using the GI bill to get a college degree. Later he became a teacher, teaching for 37 years. Continuing his music interest Robinson became part of the city band, who later played at both of President Eisenhower's inaugural parades.