Robert Walker (musician)
Robert Walker | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Robert Walker Jr. |
| Also known as |
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| Born | February 19, 1937 Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | November 29, 2017 (aged 80) California, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1970s–2017 |
| Labels | Rooster Blues |
Robert "Bilbo" Walker Jr. (February 19, 1937 – November 29, 2017) was an American blues musician,[1] who is known in the blues music world due to his "rock 'n' roll showmanship" and "flamboyant Chuck Berry imitations."[2]
Biography[edit]
Walker was born near Clarksdale, Mississippi. Walker Sr. was often referred to by his nickname, "Bilbo", which was passed on to Walker Jr., who was sometimes called "Little Junior Bilbo".[1] Walker began to explore music after being introduced to Ike Turner.[3]
After spending 17 years in Chicago, Illinois, with his friend David Porter, Walker moved to the area around Bakersfield, California, and started a farm growing such commodities as watermelon and cotton.[1] During this time, he continued to perform at local bars in the California area, as well as in Chicago and Clarksdale when on visits.[1]
In 1997, Walker released his first album, Promised Land, and followed it with two more records, 1998's Rompin' & Stompin' and 2001's Rock the Night.[4] He appeared in the 2015 documentary film, I Am the Blues.[5]
Walker died of cancer in California at the age of 80.[3]
Discography[edit]
- 1997: Promised Land – Rooster Blues
- 1998: Rompin' & Stompin' – Fedora Records
- 2001: Rock the Night – Rooster Blues[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Richard J. Skelly. "Robert Walker Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2006-12-09.
- ^ The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings by Tony Russell and Chris Smith, et al. p. 676
- ^ a b Kerzner, Barry (November 29, 2017). "Blues Legend Robert Bilbo Walker Dead at 80 – American Blues Scene". Americanbluescene.com. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
- ^ a b "Robert Walker | Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ "Here Are 6 Must-See Music Films at Hot Docs". Exclaim!, April 19, 2016
External links[edit]
- Robert Walker discography at Discogs
- Robert Walker at Delta Boogie
- Robert Walker at Red's Blues Club in Clarksdale
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