Grant Derigo» Blog Archive » Call to action: Bluesman, friend Robert "Bilbo" Walker loses house in fire.

Call to action: Bluesman, friend Robert "Bilbo" Walker loses house in fire.

October 15th, 2009 at 16:39

Robert 'Bilbo' Walker Photo courtesy Roger Stolle, Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

This exceprt is from the Hobson Plantation blog:

CLARKSDALE BLUESMAN’S HOUSE BURNS: Clarksdale-born Robert “Bilbo” Walker’s house in his adopted home of Bakersfield, CA, burned to the ground on Monday evening, July 20th, 2009, while he was back home in Mississippi performing and visiting family. It was a complete loss estimated to be $85,000 according to the local fire dept. (27 firefighters worked the blaze.)

Cards and donations may be sent in Robert Walker’s name to:

Bertha Partee, attn. Robert Walker

1581 Alan Drive

Clarksdale, MS 38614

Bilbo Walker has recorded albums for the Rooster Blues and Fedora Records labels and was featured in the recent documentary “M for Mississippi.”

I was fortunate enough to have met and performed with Mr. Walker in January of 2009 while road-tripping through Clarksdale, MS to see the site of the legendary crossroads. Bilbo and friends were very friendly and open, treating us like family when we’d only known each other for hours. I have been out of contact for a while and only heard of this yesterday while reading through the newest issue of Living Blues magazine. I urge anyone who can to send a donation to help Mr. Walker get his life back.

In addition to his recent recordings and performances, Bilboo Walker as engineered and produced for such notable acts as Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson.

Here are some links to find out more about “Bilbo” Walker as well as some videos of him and I playing together: