Died On This Date (October 8, 2009) Abu Talib / Bluesman; Played With Ray Charles
themusicsover Abu Talib (Born Freddy Robinson)
February 24, 1939 – October 8, 2009
Freddy Robinson, who changed his name to Abu Talib when he converted to Islam during the ’70s, was a blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player. Very diverse in his playing, Talib was comfortable in both blues and jazz combos. During the ’50s and ’60s, he worked with Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Jimmy Rogers. In the ’70s and ’80s, he played with the likes of Stanley Turrentine, Bobby “Blue” Bland, John Mayall and Blue Mitchell. He also played with Ray Charles. Abu Talib died of cancer at the age of 70.
Stanley Turrentine was one of contemporary jazz’s greatest saxophonists. Born into a musical family, Turrentine began playing in early R&B groups but soon switched to jazz where he became one of it’s stars during the ’50s and ’60s. He shifted to jazz fusion during the ’70s and then to a more soul sound during the ’80s. Over the course of his career, Turrentine played with such greats as 
