"Boston's Elder Statesman Of The Blues," Weepin' Willie Robinson
1926 - 2007

Released from Reta Louise and Gary Barcus
Weepin' Willie Robinson passed away at the age of 81, a victim of a fire in his room at the Mt. Pleasant Home in Jamaica Plain, apparently caused by smoking in bed. He was found by the attendant when the fire alarm and sprinklers went off in the early morning hours of Sunday December 30. After being rushed to Brigham and Women's Hospital he was pronounced dead after emergency personnel were unable to revive him. The blues community has lost a unique talent and one of the true living legends. Willie continued to perform to the end of his life, doing a show with his own band just a few weeks earlier, and making a special guest appearance with James Montgomery at the Boston Music Awards earlier this month.

In addition to a track released on Tone Cool records "Boston Blues Blast" series, Willie released his own CD, "At Last On Time," with guest appearances by Susan Tedeschi and Mighty Sam McLain, on the APO label in 1999. Willie and his band also contributed a track to the recent Appleseed records release, "Give US Your Poor," a compilation of songs by celebrity artists as well as currently and formerly homeless artists. The CD, released on Sept. 25, features Willie on the Rufus Thomas Classic "Walkin' The Dog," joined by the legendary Bonnie Raitt on vocals and slide guitar. http://www.applesee drec.com/ giveusyourpoor

Funeral arrangements and a memorial tribute will be announced as soon as plans are made.