He launched Fire and Fury as vehicles for rhythm and blues and rock and roll artists, most of which were produced by him in New York City, but some were produced by others and acquired by him in various Southern cities. Among them were Whirlin' Disc Records in 1956, Fury Records and Everlast Records in 1957, Sue Records with Juggy Murray in 1957, Fire Records in 1959, and Enjoy Records in 1962. Having enjoyed healthy local sales with doo-wop and blues discs in the early-to-mid-1950s, Robinson established several more record labels, some in partnership with his brother, Danny Robinson. The label was originally named Robin Records, but legal threats forced him to change it. The record was released on Red Robin Records, which Robinson had established the previous year. Robinson's first major success was "Shake Baby Shake" by Champion Jack Dupree in 1953. He also recorded blues performers such as Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee Robinson normally specialised in recording vocal groups including the Mello-Moods, the Rainbows, the Vocaleers and the Du Droppers. He produced his first recording in 1951, "Bobby's Boogie" by saxophonist Morris Lane and his band. During this time, Robinson spent time assisting Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic Records. Robinson's store became a focal point for the independent record producers establishing themselves in New York. His shop remained open until January 21, 2008, only being forced to close because the landlord planned to raze the building. Robinson's record shop became one of them.
There were only a few Black-owned businesses on 125th Street in Harlem during this period. After the war, Robinson moved to New York City and opened "Bobby's Record Shop" (later "Bobby's Happy House") in 1946. Born in Union, South Carolina, Robinson served in the US Army in World War II.