Composer, conductor, songwriter, educator, and recording artist Ella E. Robinson is a cornerstone of the Western New York musical community. Currently serving as Minister of Music at St. Martin de Porres R.C. Church, she is the founder and director of the New Beginning Choral Ensemble and she dedicated 35 years as a vocal music teacher for Buffalo Public Schools (1972–2007). A prominent leader in the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), she has served as WNY Chapter Representative since 1985. Robinson has released seven albums, and her hit composition “I Needs A Touch” spent over 40 weeks on the Billboard Gospel charts. Throughout her career, she and her ensembles have performed alongside Marvin Hamlisch, Kathleen Battle, and President Bill Clinton. Inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 1999, Robinson’s contributions have earned over 13 legislative citations and the 2023 BPO Diversity Council IDEA Award.