Michael Robinson, 50, guitaris, toured with Koko Taylor
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Michael Kevin Robinson was a guitarist who played for standouts in the
fields of blues and rhythm and blues.
Robinson, 50, was found dead in his Gary apartment on Saturday. He is
believed to have died on Wednesday, May 2, according to his family.
Robinson died of respiratory complications, said his sister, Edith
Sheila Robinson-Elane of Chicago.
Known as a polished lead guitarist, Robinson toured extensively with
Chicago blues queen Koko Taylor.
"There will never be another Michael Robinson," Taylor said in a
prepared statement. "It was a real pleasure to have him as my
bandleader and lead guitarist for six years."
Robinson's guitar skills were also utilized by other notables,
including Buddy Guy, singer Deniece Williams, the Staple Singers and
Earth, Wind & Fire.
"He was a really, really great guitar player," said close friend
Ernest Hall of Columbia, Mo. "He was one of the best kept secrets in
Gary."
Hall said he graduated with Robinson in 1975 from Emerson High School
in Gary.
Robinson toured Europe with the Kinseys -- Gary's first family of
blues.
Kenny Kinsey said Robinson was a rhythm guitarist for his clan, which
encompassed Lester "Big Daddy" Kinsey and his sons, known as the
Kinsey Report.
Now living in Merrillville, Kenny Kinsey remembered Robinson as a
musician who studied a respected guitarist.
Robinson leaves behind sons Michael and Edward, and daughter Kawana.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke
Baptist Church, 7262 S. Coles Ave., Chicago.
May 11, 2007
BY BOB KOSTANCZUK Post-Tribune staff writer