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Robert Walker (musician)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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
OccupationMusician
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1970s–2017
LabelsRooster 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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Richard J. Skelly. "Robert Walker Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2006-12-09.
  2. ^ The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings by Tony Russell and Chris Smith, et al. p. 676
  3. ^ a b Kerzner, Barry (November 29, 2017). "Blues Legend Robert Bilbo Walker Dead at 80 – American Blues Scene". Americanbluescene.com. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Robert Walker | Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  5. ^ "Here Are 6 Must-See Music Films at Hot Docs". Exclaim!, April 19, 2016
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