Biography
Duke Robillard is a celebrated American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader known for his mastery of blues, jump R&B, swing, and roots rock.
His early influences included rock pioneers like Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, which he discovered through his older brother's record collection.
Inspired by these sounds, he crafted his first guitar with his father, modeled after James Burton's Fender Telecaster.
In 1967, Robillard co-founded Roomful of Blues with pianist Al Copley in Westerly, Rhode Island.
The band became a regional sensation, known for its jump blues style, and released two albums on Rounder Records.
Career Development
After leaving Roomful of Blues in 1979, Robillard played with rockabilly singer Robert Gordon and the Legendary Blues Band before forming the Duke Robillard Band in 1981, which later evolved into Duke Robillard & the Pleasure Kings.
Robillard's solo career flourished with a series of acclaimed albums, including "Duke's Blues" in 1993 and "Blue Mood: The Songs of T-Bone Walker" in 2004, which showcased his exceptional guitar skills and versatility.
He joined the Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1989, replacing Jimmie Vaughan, and continued to release solo projects, collaborating with artists like Herb Ellis and Bob Dylan.
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his career, Robillard has received numerous accolades, including multiple W.C. Handy Awards for Best Blues Guitarist and Grammy nominations for Best Traditional Blues Album.
His work spans various styles, from traditional blues to jazz and swing, earning him a reputation as a "guitarist's guitarist" and a prolific producer.
Robillard's discography includes collaborations with notable musicians and a range of albums that highlight his ability to blend traditionalism with innovation.
His recent works, such as "They Called It Rhythm and Blues" in 2022 and "Roll with Me" in 2024, continue to demonstrate his enduring influence and passion for the blues.
Reviews and Testimonials
"One of the great players" BB King
"Robillard is a soloist of stunning force and originality." - The New York Times
"Most everything Duke Robillard has done as a guitarist during the past four-plus decades...bears witness to his musical intelligence and his dedication to his craft".- Downbeat
"Robillard's ability to play across the spectrum of blues is legendary. Few players can move stylistically from Texas to Kansas City to Chicago's West Side, but Robillard makes it seem easy."- Guitar Player
Michael John "Duke" Robillard is a distinguished American blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and educator, renowned for his versatility across blues, jazz, swing, and R&B. Born on October 4, 1948, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, he co-founded the influential band Roomful of Blues in 1967, which played a pivotal role in reviving jump blues and R&B.
Robillard's career spans over five decades, during which he has released numerous solo albums, collaborated with iconic artists, and earned multiple accolades.
His Grammy nominations include Best Contemporary Blues Album for Guitar Groove-a-Rama (2007) and Best Traditional Blues Album for Stomp! The Blues Tonight (2010).
He has been honored with the W.C. Handy Award (now Blues Music Award) for Best Blues Guitarist in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004, and received the Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Producer of the Year in 2004.
Robillard's collaborations are extensive and diverse. He has recorded and performed with legends such as Bob Dylan (appearing on Time Out of Mind), Tom Waits, Ruth Brown, Jay McShann, Pinetop Perkins, and Jimmy Witherspoon.
Additionally, he has worked with Maria Muldaur, John Hammond, and produced albums for artists like Joe Louis Walker, Billy Boy Arnold, and Otis Clay.
In 1990, Robillard replaced Jimmie Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds, further showcasing his adaptability and skill. He has also been a member of The Legendary Blues Band, which included former members of Muddy Waters' bands, and has led his own group, The Duke Robillard Band, later known as The Pleasure Kings.
Beyond performing, Robillard is a respected producer and educator. He has produced albums for various artists and has been involved in music education, sharing his knowledge and passion for blues and jazz.
Robillard's contributions to music have been recognized with multiple awards, including Grammy nominations and Blues Music Awards. His influence continues to resonate in the blues community, and he remains an active performer and recording artist.
Two Guitars-One Sound
"Two guitars-One sound", that pretty much sums up the album "DUKE ROBILLARD meets SOULSHOT featuring ANDY BASSFORD and MARK BERNEY.
Two master guitarists in different genres melding together on this 10 track work of Ska/Reggae with a jazzy undertone!
Roll With Me
"Roll With Me is a vibrant homage to postwar jump blues, showcasing Robillard's exceptional guitar skills and featuring a stellar ensemble of musicians.
The album includes tributes to blues legends such as Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, Big Joe Turner, and Fats Domino.
A Smooth One
More or less the coincidence and the musical appreciation of each other brought the three musicians together to realize a joint studio project and record a classic organ trio album in Italy.
Guitarist Duke Robillard on the album "A Smooth One" by The Duke Robilard Organ Trio: "This album shows what can happen when you bring three like-minded musicians together for a few hours in the studio. I hope the fun we had recording it now carries over to the listeners.".
Six Strings of Steel
Good news here folks! For starters Duke Robillard has signed with M.C. Records and Duke and his All Star Band have just completed a really Rockin' album of Blues, R&B, Rock and Roll and swing and it's hot!
It's called "Six Strings of Steel"!
ALSO NOW AVAILABLE ON VINYL!