Who was Big Willie Robinson? DanielNMiller investigates the story behind an L.A. legend in “Larger Than Life.” Catch up on the first two episodes before a new one comes out tomorrow:
Every myth has some truth to it. We tell that to ourselves. Maybe it helps us believe. Because we want to — even when we may know better. This is the story of a man whose life at times seemed like a myth. At least, the way some people told it. And this story begins with the memorial service of a mogul.Big Willie transcended norms his entire life — he was a black man who bridged gulfs of race, class and culture — in pursuit of his mission.
Left: Willie is shown with younger brother Don Ray Robinson. Right: Willie flexes alongside sister Gwendolyn Robinson. But racial strife was festering in Willie's hometown. He enrolled at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, and before long, his car was vandalized in an attack by white people angry over the school's recent integration, according to an interview he gave on the TV show"Car Crazy." His family feared for his safety and sent Willie to L.A. in 1960.
Big Willie, left, poses for a shot with with sister Jean Davis-Hatcher and brother Don Ray Robinson at Willie's home. Willie said in his 2009 interview with Arroyo that he carried out covert missions in Vietnam as a Green Beret, but came home in 1966 after getting wounded.After his military service, Willie returned to L.A. in anguish, wondering why he’d been spared.
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Big Willie Robinson becomes larger than lifeThis is the story of a man whose life at times seemed like a myth. At least, the way some people told it. The first episode of 'Larger Than Life' is out now:
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After the Watts riots, Big Willie Robinson sees an opportunityIn five years, he met the love of his life, got the car of his dreams, forged ties with the LAPD and started the Brotherhood of Street Racers — transforming him into the man known as Big Willie. Listen to the first two episodes of 'Larger Than Life' now:
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