Died On This Date (April 5, 2011) Gil Robbins / The Highwaymen; Father Of Actor, Tim Robbins
themusicsover Gil Robbins
April 3, 1931 – April 5, 2011
Gil Robbins was a folk singer-songwriter and bassist who is best remembered as part of the influential folk group, the Highwaymen. Prior to Robbins joining the group, they had significant pop hits with “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore” and “Cottonfields.” Born in Washington state and raised in Southern California – where he was the drum major of the UCLA marching band, Robbins eventually found himself immersed in the thriving folk scene of Greenwich Village in New York City. He was a member of the Belafonte Singers (Harry Belafonte’s touring group), and the Cumberland Three. For a time, he and Tom Paxton were writing and performing partners. Robbins joined the Highwaymen in 1962 and played on five albums until they split up in 1964. He has been credited for taking the band in a more political direction. His children include actor, Tim Robbins. Gil Robbins died of prostate cancer on April 5, 2011. He was 80.
Thanks to Ed Hardy for the assist.