Robert Walker (musician)

Robert "Bilbo" Walker Jr. (February 19, 1937 – November 29, 2017) was an American blues musician who is known in the blues music world due to his "rock 'n' roll showmanship" and "flamboyant Chuck Berry imitations."[1]

Robert Walker
Birth nameRobert Walker Jr.
Also known as
  • Bilbo
  • Little Junior Bilbo
Born(1937-02-19)February 19, 1937
Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedNovember 29, 2017(2017-11-29) (aged 80)
California, U.S.
GenresBlues
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsGuitar
Years active1970s–2017
LabelsRooster Blues

Biography

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".[2] 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.[2] During this time, he continued to perform at local bars in the California area, as well as in Chicago and Clarksdale when on visits.

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. He appeared in the 2015 documentary film I Am the Blues.[4]

Walker died of cancer in California at the age of 80.[3] Walker is survived by a daughter and two grandsons.

Discography

References
  1. The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings by Tony Russell and Chris Smith, et al. pg. 676.
  2. Richard J. Skelly. "Robert Walker Biography". Retrieved 2006-12-09.
  3. Kerzner, Barry (November 29, 2017). "Blues Legend Robert Bilbo Walker Dead at 80 - American Blues Scene". Americanbluescene.com. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  4. "Here Are 6 Must-See Music Films at Hot Docs". Exclaim!, April 19, 2016.
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