Gil Robbins
| Gil Robbins | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Gilbert Lee Robbins April 3, 1931 Spokane, Washington |
| Died | April 5, 2011 (aged 80) Esteban Cantu, Baja California, Mexico |
| Occupation | Folk musician, actor, vocal coach |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Bledsoe Robbins (died 2011; 4 children) |
Gilbert Lee "Gil" Robbins (April 3, 1931 – April 5, 2011) was an American folk singer, folk musician and actor. Robbins was a former member of the folk band, The Highwaymen. The New York Times described Robbins as a "fixture on the folk-music scene." He was the father of actor and director Tim Robbins.
Robbins was born in Spokane, Washington, in 1931, the son of Agnes J. (née Hughes) and Richard Lee Robbins. He moved with his family to Los Angeles, California, when he was less than one year old. Robbins began playing with the percussion section of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra as a high school student. He received a scholarship to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he joined the university's marching band as a drum major. He met his future wife, Mary Bledsoe, then a collegiate flautist, as a student at UCLA. Robbins left UCLA before his graduation and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. During his time in the U.S. Air Force, Robbins became a conductor and drum major for the 542nd Division at an air force base in Selma, Alabama.
Robbins played with several bands and musicians early in his career. he became a member of the trio, Cumberland Three, in 1960. The band had been formed by Roulette Records and musician John Stewart, who sent them New York City. Robbins soon became active in the city's folk music scenes, especially in Greenwich Village. Robbins recorded three albums with the Cumberland Three, including two albums of American Civil War music. Robbins left the Cumberland Three after three albums and joined the Belafonte Singers, a twelve-member group which performed with Harry Belafonte. He also performed with Tom Paxton.
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