In Memoriam
Weepin'
Willie Robinson
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.
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:
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