If you have been to all the cool places in the Nashville area, the face of Rob Robinson might be a familiar one to you. In addition to being a songwriter and musician, since 2008, Rob has owned Puckett’s south of town in Leiper’s Fork. This historic place with a roadhouse feel serves up both great eats and live tunes. As Robinson says, “To me it’s always been about food and music.”

Getting their start through a weekly open mic night at Puckett’s, Rob now has a nine-piece R&B / Blues band called HeavyDrunk who are releasing their debut album “Holywater.” The sizzling first single “If I Loved You Hard Enough” is now out, and here’s a live version from where else, Puckett’s, that you can get down and dirty to.  It’s a great groove with Rob’s soulful vocals backed by horns and singers galore. It’s a groove as smoky and tasty as the BBQ and chicken wings!

You can see HeavyDrunk with featured background vocalist Renee Armand at the classy Franklin Theatre on Saturday October 5. Seats are still available. Thanks, Rob for giving us your eleven!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I grew up in Mississippi and Louisiana. I moved to Nashville in 1990 following the music and went to work for The Beacham Agency, a small booking agency that was booking, Tim McGraw, Joe Diffie and Collin Raye among others.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first was an Elvis 45 of “Burning Love.” I would play it over and over, and me and my cousins would dance on the carpet in the hall. Purchased it at Bebop Record shop in Jackson, MS. I recently bought Robert Randolph and the Family Band’s Brighter Days, listening to it now. I kept all my vinyl and still turn records.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen? 

First was Elvis Presley in Jackson, MS. Last was Casey Wasner at Puckett’s Leiper’s Fork. Love that dude.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Tony Joe White, Reggie Young and The Judds

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza? 

California Pizza Kitchen and Red Bird Coffee in Leiper’s Fork

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville? 

Nashville Skyline was an early favorite for me. I’m not sure Levon Helm’s live Ramble in the Ryman qualifies. Also, Chris Stapleton’s From A Room: Volume 1.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show? 

Waffle House

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you. 

Casey Wasner, John Hiatt and Keb’ Mo.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town? 

3rd & Lindsley, the Franklin Theatre and Puckett’s Leiper’s Fork of course.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here. 

I’d like to see Elvis Presley move to Nashville. That would be something.

Finally, what’s in your musical future? 

HeavyDrunk’s Holywater comes out October 5th on the 4142 Label. We will be celebrating that night at the Franklin Theatre!