In 1964, Robert was picked by R&B legend Percy Sledge to play guitar in his touring band, a position he held through 1969. During this time Coleman toured extensively throughout North & South America, the Caribbean, & even Africa. In April of 1970, James Brown came to Macon looking for players for his backing band, the newly founded JBs. From then until the end of 1972, Coleman toured & recorded with Brown. Robert’s guitar is featured on Brown’s album
“Hot Pants”, including the songs “Revolution of the Mind,” recorded live at the Apollo Theater &
“Make It Funky” from the “Soul Classics” LP.
Coleman continues to play with the best the area has to offer. At 89 years of age, he says “I think I’m one of the last of my era and my style of playing,” he says. “I’m going to play until the good Lord calls me home. I’m gonna be playing till I die.”