Keith D. Robinson on Music, Legacy, Beyond the Gates and Celebrating 20 Years of Dreamgirls
- Aug 2
- 6 min read
Keith D. Robinson has built a career that continues to inspire audiences through music, television and film. Whether portraying Dr. Ted Richardson on the hit CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates, releasing heartfelt R&B music or reflecting on his role of C.C. White and the lasting impact of Dreamgirls as the beloved film celebrates its 20th anniversary, Keith continues to embrace every chapter of his artistic journey with purpose, gratitude and authenticity.
His sophomore album, Love Episodic 2: The Algo-Rhythm, offers listeners an intimate collection of songs inspired by life’s highs and lows, relationships, personal growth and the experiences that shape us. Featuring the new single “UP,” along with fan favorites including “Different Languages,” “Forever Bae” and “Heavy Heart,” the album captures stories that many people will recognize in their own lives.
During our conversation, Keith opens up about love, longevity, fatherhood, creating music with meaning, working alongside his Beyond the Gates castmates, celebrating two decades since Dreamgirls and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. His words serve as a reminder that growth comes from embracing every season of life while continuing to create from the heart.
Tammy: The album feels like more than just music, Keith. It feels like a collection of life experiences. What parts of yourself did you have to confront, heal or better understand while creating this project?
Keith: I think all of them. Just how I’ve evolved as a man and as an artist, having lived some life and gone through trials and tribulations. It was a cathartic experience for me. The biggest part was really tapping into those feelings and being as vulnerable and honest as I possibly could with every song I created.
Tammy: Your voice and your music are soulful, emotional and incredibly powerful. You can sang! Was there a moment when you realized your voice wasn’t just a talent but also a purpose and a way to connect with people?
Keith: I’ve always had an inkling, even as a teenager. It’s been a journey of learning through the process and seeing how it affects people. I try to be honest and use the gifts God gave me the best way I can. Hearing you say that makes me feel good because it means I’m doing my job. It’s still a journey of discovery for me. I just want to keep being honest, keep digging and keep reflecting.
Tammy: Beautifully said. The album centers around love. Love teaches us, challenges us, changes us and reveals parts of ourselves we may not have known existed. What has love taught you about yourself?
Keith: Love has taught me forgiveness, patience and the difference between unconditional love and conditional love. It’s taught me not to take people, moments or life for granted. Love is a life teacher if you’re willing to listen, be vulnerable and stay coachable.
Tammy: Absolutely! Now we’ve got to talk about the visuals for this album. The music videos have such cinematic quality and super-dope storytelling. In some of the videos, you collaborate with a couple of your Beyond the Gates co-stars. Talk about working with them on these music videos outside of the show.
Keith: It was fun. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Soap operas and R&B music kind of go hand in hand with the drama and the relationships, so it worked out perfectly. It made sense to pull storylines from Beyond the Gates and infuse them into songs I had already written or was writing, and that’s really how “Forever Bae” came about. Using Daphne Duplaix, who plays Nicole, for that video, and Trisha Mann-Grant, who plays Leslie, for “Foolish Luv” was a natural fit. I’m kind of lucky in that respect. I have a lot of great actors at my disposal every day, so I don’t have to go searching very far to cast people in my music videos right now.
Tammy: Speaking of Beyond the Gates, I absolutely love the show. It’s Emmy-nominated, and I’m still hoping Ted and Nicole find their way back together.
Keith: I think the whole world is. I don’t know what it is, but I’m glad people are into it like that.
Tammy: I also enjoy seeing Ted and Shanice together and expressing their love for one another. What has it meant to be part of a series that continues expanding the representation of Black stories on television?
Keith: It’s been a blessing. I love walking into that building every day because everyone feels like family. The show came into my career at the perfect time. I’m grateful to be part of something that’s making history and showing everyday Black life in a way daytime television hasn’t often shown before. I know I’m part of something culturally significant.
Tammy: What would you like to tell our audience about your character, Dr. Ted Richardson, at this point in the show?
Keith: Pray for him, and stay with him. He’s living his life out in front of the world, so he gets beat up. He puts himself out there, but if you can, try to see it from Ted’s point of view. He’s a good man trying to mend his ways and weave his way through these relationships. It’s tough.
Tammy: This year marks the 20th anniversary of Dreamgirls. Is there a behind-the-scenes memory you can share with us?
Keith: Being on that set was incredible. I don’t know if there’s one specific story because the entire experience was unforgettable. You’re surrounded by people like Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and so many talented artists. Jamie always kept everyone laughing. I had only been acting for a few years before landing that role, so every day felt surreal. It truly was a dream come true.
Tammy: People continue to celebrate Dreamgirls two decades later. Your career has shown incredible longevity. What has continued to inspire you throughout your journey?
Keith: Thank you! I think just the desire to use all the gifts that God’s given me and really loving the craft. I truly love writing songs, performing songs, and doing scenes. So I think the love, in spite of all the ups and downs, has kept me afloat and has kept me excited about the next adventure up ahead. That’s really what’s inspired me. And those around me, and those people that I have seen come before me, who’ve had long careers, I’m always trying to get advice and get them to pour into me. So I just want to leave a legacy and a body of work that people can look back on and refer to. So, you know, I’m on my journey.
Tammy: Is there anything else you’d like everyone to know about the album?
Keith: The album is out now. “UP” is the newest single, and “Different Languages” is currently on radio. The new video for “UP” is available now, and the album is streaming on all digital platforms. I’ll also be coming to a city near you. The Love Episodic City Winery Tour begins Aug. 21 in Atlanta, and tickets are on sale now.
Tammy: As you continue your creative path, what are you looking forward to the most?
Keith: Just more great records, more great moments. Being able to leave a legacy for my son, and every experience. I’m trying to cherish and really freeze the moments because the longer you stay in it, the older you get, the more you realize how rare and precious the moments are. So I’m just trying to freeze-frame everything I can.
Tammy: Keith, thank you so much for your time. Congratulations on the album, your continued success with Beyond the Gates and celebrating 20 years of Dreamgirls. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Keith: Thank you, Tammy.
From the heartfelt storytelling throughout Love Episodic 2: The Algo-Rhythm to his standout performances on Beyond the Gates and the lasting legacy of Dreamgirls, Keith D. Robinson continues to remind audiences that authenticity, passion and perseverance create careers that stand the test of time.
Be sure to stream Love Episodic 2: The Algo-Rhythm and the latest single, “UP,” on your favorite music platform. Catch Keith weekdays as Dr. Ted Richardson on Beyond the Gates, and don’t miss the “Love Episodic City Winery Tour,” with tickets on sale now. Follow Keith D. Robinson on social media to stay updated on new music, tour dates and upcoming projects.