Fenton Robinson, an American blues singer and exponent of the Chicago blues scene, melded classic blues structure with jazzier elements, creating a smooth, sophisticated sound that distinguished him from his contemporaries. Born on September 23, 1935, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Robinson was part of the post-war blues generation who migrated north to seek new opportunities, ending up in Chicago, the crucible of electric blues.

Robinson's delicate guitar work and laid-back vocal style earned him the nickname "the mellow blues genius." His signature song, "Somebody Loan Me a Dime," was released in 1967 and became a staple of the blues genre, famously covered by Boz Scaggs and later leading to a legal battle over songwriting credits. Robinson's contributions were solidified through his 1974 release of the same name, which showcased his sophisticated riffs and his ability to convey emotion without resorting to the raw power typical of blues of that era.

Throughout his career, Fenton Robinson maintained a reputation as a musician's musician, respected for his technical proficiency and his ability to bridge the gaps between blues tradition and the excitement of the new. While perhaps never achieving the commercial success of some of his peers, Robinson's impact on blues was undeniable, as evidenced in his posthumous induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. His later works, including the live performances and remastered sessions from the late 1980s and early 1990s, further established his legacy as a cornerstone of the Chicago blues sound, whose influence continues to resonate among blues aficionados and musicians alike.

Genres

Blues

Electric Blues

Louisiana Blues

Swamp Blues

Traditional Blues

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Otis Rush

B.B. King

Muddy Waters

Magic Slim

Buddy Guy

Howlin' Wolf

Albert King

Freddie King

T-Bone Walker

Junior Wells

Etta James

John Lee Hooker

Latest Release

Monday Morning Boogie & Blues (Remastered)

Fenton Robinson

Album - 28 Tracks - Released June 24, 2022