Died On This Date (December 7, 2011) Bob Burnett / The Highwaymen
themusicsover Bob Burnett
February 7, 1940 – December 8, 2011
Bob Burnett was an original member of the Highwaymen, an influential collegiate folk group whose “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore” and “Cotton Fields” were two of the most significant songs to come along during the ’60s folk scene. Formed in 1958, the group drew sizable crowds along the college circuit while popularizing traditional American music to a whole new generation. In 1961, the group scored its biggest hit with “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore,” which reached #1 on the singles chart and sold over a million copies. That was followed by the nearly as successful, “Cotton Fields.” The Highwaymen broke up in 1964, freeing up Burnett to pursue a law degree from Harvard. After accomplishing that, he went on to have a long and successful career in law and banking. In 1990, the Highwaymen reunited for a second run which found them doing weekend concerts and recording several more albums. Bob Burnett, 71, died as the result of brain cancer on December 7, 2011. He follows band mates Chan Daniels, Dave Fisher, and later member, Gil Robbins (father of actor, Tim Robbins), who have all passed away as well.
Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.
What You Should Own
Marshall Grant is perhaps best remembered as the bassist and back-up singer for 
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.
