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Gilbert Lee Robbins (April 3, 1931April 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 joined the folk band, The Highwaymen in 1962, replacing departing member Stephen Trott, who left the band to attend Harvard Law School. He remained as a member of the band for three years until its breakup in 1964. Robbins, who appeared on five of the band's albums, performed for the band as a guitarrón mexicano player, songwriter and baritone singer. His live album credits with the band included Hootenanny With the Highwaymen, One More Time and Homecoming. Robbins has been credited with influencing some of The Highwaymen more politically oriented music during his membership.
Robbins became the manager of The Gaslight Cafe, a former folk music club in New York City's Greenwich Village, during the late 1960s. The club saw performances by well known musicians early in their careers, including Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt and Bruce Springsteen. Robbins also became active within other sectors of the Greenwich Village community, including as the choir director of the Church of St. Joseph in Greenwich Village. He also founded the Occasional Singers, a choral group which performed "avant garde" music, according to the New York Times.
Outside of music, Robbins also pursued a career in acting. He worked as a stage actor in New York City, including off Broadway productions and musicals. He was also cast in several small films roles, including Bob Roberts in 1992, Dead Man Walking in 1995, the 1999 dramatic film, Cradle Will Rock, and the 1998 M. Night Shyamalan film, Wide Awake. Additionally, Robbins worked as a musical consultant and vocal coach.
Death
Gil Robbins died at his home in Esteban Cantu, Baja California, Mexico from prostate cancer on April 5, 2011, two days after his 80th birthday. He was survived by his wife Mary Robbins (who died 12 days later, aged 78).
External links
Categories: 1931 Births, 2011 Deaths, American Male Film Actors, American Folk Musicians, American Folk Singers, American Male Stage Actors, Deaths From Prostate Cancer In Mexico, Singers From New York, Male Actors From Manhattan, People From Greenwich Village, Actors From Greater Los Angeles, University Of California, Los Angeles Alumni, American Vocal Coaches
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