Robert Walker | |
---|---|
Birth name | Robert Walker Jr. |
Also known as |
|
Born | Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. | February 19, 1937
Died | November 29, 2017 California, U.S. | (aged 80)
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]
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]
Robert Walker | |
---|---|
Birth name | Robert Walker Jr. |
Also known as |
|
Born | Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. | February 19, 1937
Died | November 29, 2017 California, U.S. | (aged 80)
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]
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]