Tour Our Home        Who We Are        Current Events         Residency         Expansion       Calendar        Donate
 

 

Information Request | About Us | Careers | Volunteers | Residency Info | Search | Donate


Current Events
Past Events
In Memoriam
Backyard Party
Easter Fun
Indoor Golf
New Year 2006
Pet Pals
Potted Gardens
Senior Art Show
SquashBusters
Weepin' Willie
Yoga
Maggie turns 100!

In Memoriam

Weepin' Willie Robinson

(See below for funeral arrangements)

We are so saddened to report that "Boston's Elder Statesman Of The Blues" and Mount Pleasant Home resident, Weepin' Willie Robinson has passed away at the age of 81, a victim of a fire in his room caused by smoking in bed. Smoking was not allowed in his room, but Robinson would forget. Early Sunday morning, December 30, after a night out, he walked into his room and lit his last cigarette.

He was found by one of our Personal Care Attendants when the fire alarm and sprinklers went off in the early morning hours. After being rushed to Brigham and Women's Hospital, he was pronounced dead after emergency personnel were unable to revive him.

Willie was beloved by Mount Pleasant Home staff, residents, and their families and friends. He leaves a void that will never be filled. He will be remembered for his charm, swagger, and positive attitude despite his chronic and painful arthritis.

Willie, one of the true living legends in the blues community, 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.

Just Christmas Day, he gave the last performance of his life to our residents, in a spontaneous jam with members of his band and visiting violinist, Marc Widershein.

The Associated Press immediately picked up the story and it was cast throughout the United States. Phone calls, cards, and visitors poured in from all corners of the country offering condolences.

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, 2007, features Willie on the Rufus Thomas Classic "Walkin' The Dog," joined by the legendary Bonnie Raitt on vocals and slide guitar. CDs can be purchased here.
 

Funeral Arrangements for Weepin' Willie

Saturday, January 5, 2008 at noon at:

Central Congregational Church, 85 Seaverns Avenue, Jamaica Plain

For directions, visit www.centralcongregational.org

 

Boston Music Awards

On September 28, 2005, the Boston Music Awards presented our very own Mount Pleasant resident Weepin' Willie Robinson with a Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame trophy.  Awards were presented and the music was performed at the Avalon Ballroom.  Weepin' Willie sang the blues backed up by a band which included James Montgomery, Mike Welch, and Johnny A.

Also known as Boston's Elder Statesman of the Blues, Willie has been singing since the one and only B.B. King encouraged him to do so some 60 years ago.  Weepin' Willie continues to give concerts and performances all around town.

Congratulations Willie!

  

If you'd like to learn more about Weepin' Willie Robinson, check out the following:

Copyright © 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 All Rights Reserved      Updated 01/03/2008

 
Home | Tour Our Home | Who We Are | News & Events | Residency | Expansion

Information Request | About Us | Careers | Volunteers | Residency Info | Search | Donate

 

  
Any questions? Call 617-522-7600 or email info@MountPleasantHome.org