Lost 1970 R&B Soul Gem: Tina Robinson - A Hard Head Makes A Soft A** (Never Before Heard)

In this near-chart-topping 1970 single, Tina Robinson passionately belts out a powerful lesson from her mother, delivering an unforgettable performance that resonates with listeners. The message, "A Hard Head Makes A Soft A**," serves as a timeless reminder about the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of being open to wisdom and guidance. With her incredible vocal range and emotional depth, Tina captures the essence of this lesson, turning it into a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever experienced the trials of learning the hard way. This song not only showcases her talent but also connects with audiences on a personal level, making it a standout track of its time!
Tina “T-Bone” Robinson was a powerhouse vocalist whose voice could rattle the rafters of any joint in Philadelphia-churches, clubs, or even the local butcher shop (where she allegedly picked up her “T-Bone” nickname after shaking the meat right off the hooks). Born and raised in North Philly, Tina spent her early twenties belting out soul-stirring tunes for anyone who’d listen, from neighborhood block parties to back-alley jam sessions. Her reputation for hitting notes that could stop traffic spread like wildfire, and by the time she turned twenty-four, she’d attracted the attention of an upstart label called Secondhand Soul-where misfit dreamers and underdog prodigies found a home.
Signed in 1961, Tina brought an undeniable spark to Secondhand Soul’s roster. Her iconic stage presence-complete with a microphone bedazzled in rhinestones and a voice so big it made the sound engineers cower-set her apart from the run-of-the-mill lounge acts. Nicknamed “T-Bone” because she claimed her vocals had the “meat to feed the masses,” Tina refused to be overshadowed by the polished pop hitting mainstream airwaves. Though she never saw the glitz of Motown, her singles like “Sizzlin’ Hot (Don’t Burn My Heart)” and “Howl at Midnight” became cult favorites among Philly soul enthusiasts. Decades later, the legend of Tina “T-Bone” Robinson lives on, reminding the world that true soul isn’t always found at the top of the charts-but sometimes in the secondhand grooves of an old vinyl that just won’t quit.
Secondhand Soul, Philadelphia’s finest (and only) purveyor of 1960s-style soul music from musicians who were, well… let’s just say they were “underappreciated” in their time. We specialize in hits that never hit, grooves that never got their groove on, and talent that was, quite frankly, talent-adjacent.
Our fictitious record label proudly resurrects the forgotten songs of Philly’s almost-legends-artists who didn’t quite have the magic of Motown, the grit of Stax, or the budget for studio time. Whether it’s Lester “Loose Strings” McCoy and his one-man band debacle or The Overtones (who were consistently under-pitched), we’ve got the tunes that almost made the cut.
Every song is dripping with that vintage soul vibe you love-horns that blare, harmonies that try, and lyrics that make you wonder, “Did they really rhyme ‘love’ with ‘glove’ again?”
So dust off your dancing shoes, lower your expectations just a smidge, and dive into the grooves of Secondhand Soul-where the music is recycled, but the feelings are real(ish). It’s soul with a second chance!