Robert Lockwood Jr. 1915 - 2006

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of blues legend Robert Lockwood Jr. Robert passed away tuesday November 21, 2006 at the age of 91. Robert had been hospitalized for the better part of a month.

Robert's legacy is his music, a style which melded jazz and blues. Robert was the most direct link to Robert Johnson. It was while Robert was 13 that Robert Johnson taught him to play guitar. A short time later the world lost Robert Johnson, in 1937.


Robert Lockwood Jr. worked with all of the greats in blues and jazz. His first band was comprised of all jazz musicians. This helped to shape the style that was to become his legacy. While he learned from the jazzmen they learned blues. Eventually the styles melded into the Robert Lockwood sound.

Robert played on recordings by Doctor Clayton, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddie Boyd, Sunnyland Slim, and Otis Spann. He also spent time in the Muddy Waters Band. He once tried to teach both Muddy Waters and Big Bill Broonzy his style but they were more comfortable with what they knew.

Robert will be missed by those of us who love his music and his legacy in music will last for eternity.

Rest in Peace Robert....