Jackie Robinson was born as Gitta Walther in Germany, 1940, releasing several singles under her own name and as Simone during the 60s. In the early 70s she was part of the group Love Generation, and also sang on all the tracks of Silver Convention's first album (incl. the chart-topping Fly, Robin Fly) although she was not chosen to become a part of the final line-up. She also provided the famous scream on Penny McLean's equally successful Lady Bump, and sang backing vocals on Donna Summer's Love To Love You Baby. Also in 1975 Gitta signed with Ariola under the pseudonym Jackie Robinson and released the single Moving Like A Superstar which gave her a club hit in the US. In May 1976 her LP I'm Different followed, naturally including Superstar and her second single, the similarly paced Pussyfooter. The album displays a variety of disco, pop, R&B, rock and ballads, including covers of John Lennon's Mother, the Rolling Stones' Sympathy For The Devil, and the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody.
While the LP was not successful, Gitta found herself busy recording backing vocals for Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Amanda Lear, La Bionda, and many more. Two more Jackie Robinson singles followed in 1978 on Polydor, unfortunately also unsuccessful.
By 1980 Gitta formed the group The Hornettes with Lucy Neale, Linda G. Thompson, and Christina Harrison and kept active with them throughout the next decade.
