HMR Project: History of Music & Modern Recording

Reverend Robert Wilkins

Birth of the Blues: Robert Wilkins

Reverend Robert Wilkins was born on 16 January 1896 in Hernando, Mississippi. Some time in the twenties he formed a jug band which became popular enough to appear on Memphis radio in 1927. American Music has him attending his first sessions in Memphis on September 7, 1928. Neither of two parts of 'I Told My Rider' were issued, but both parts of 'Rolling Stone' saw record stores on Victor 21741.

'Rolling Stone' Part 1 Robert Wilkins

From first-known recording session

7 Sep 1928 in Memphis TN Matrix 45496-1 Victor 21741 (3166 copies sold)

Composition: Wilkins

'That's No Way to Get Along' Robert Wilkins

C 23 Sep 1929 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis TN Matrix M-189 Brunswick 7125

Composition: Wilkins

'Falling Down Blues' Robert Wilkins

C 23 Sep 1929 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis TN Matrix M-192 Brunswick 7125

Composition: Furry Lewis 1927 Lyrics altered by Wilkins

'Get Away Blues' Robert Wilkins

C Feb 1930 in Memphis TN Matrix MEM-742-B Brunswick 7158

Composition: Wilkins

Said to have become disgusted and disheartened with the world (BTDT), Wilkins turned away from secular blues toward gospel in the thirties, even becoming an ordained Pentecostal minister. He was rediscovered during the blues revival in the sixties, assisted by a performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1964.

'Just a Closer Walk With Thee' Robert Wilkins

Feb 13 or 16 1964 in Washington DC

See 'Reverend Robert Wilkins: Memphis Gospel Singer':

Piedmont PLP 13162 / Origin Jazz Library OJL 8052

Composition: Traditional

'Old Time Religion' Robert Wilkins

Sometime 1964 for Piedmont

See 'This Old World's In a Hell Of a Fix' on Biograph BLP 12027 1968

Composition: Traditional

'Holy Ghost Train' Robert Wilkins

Sometime 1964 for Piedmont

See 'This Old World's In a Hell Of a Fix' on Biograph BLP 12027 1968

Composition: Wilkins

'Prodigal Son' Robert Wilkins

Sometime 23-26 July 1964 at the Newport Folk Festival in RI

See 'The Blues at Newport / 1964 / Part 2' on Vanguard VSD-79181 1965

Composition: Wilkins Gospel version of 'That's No Way to Get Along'

'What Do You Think About Jesus' Robert Wilkins w Fred & Annie Mae McDowell

Sometime 23-26 July 1964 at the Newport Folk Festival in RI

See 'Blues With a Feeling' on Vanguard VCD2-77005 1993

Composition: Wilkins

'In Heaven, Sitting Down' Robert Wilkins

From last-known recording session

20 July 1968 at the Memphis Country Blues Festival

See 'The 1968 Memphis Country Blues Festival' on Sire 97003 1968

Composition: Wilkins

Wilkins died on May 26, 1987, in Memphis, survived by his son, Memphis blues musician, Reverend John Wilkins, who himself died in October of 2020 [Commercial Appeal / Country Blues].

Sources & References for Reverend Robert Wilkins:

Eugene Chadbourne (All Music)

VF History (notes)

Wikipedia

Compositions: Gospel Music Brainz Secular SHS

Recordings: Catalogs: 45 Worlds (CDs) Discogs RYM

Recordings: Sessions:

DAHR (1928-30) Stefan Wirz (American Music / 1928-68)