Anthology

DUKE ROBILLARD’s first band was started at his Rhode Island high school, where he experimented with the ways in which jazz, swing and blues were linked. In 1967, he formed Roomful of Blues who managed to open for Big Joe Turner and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson before disbanding. Almost twenty years later, he recorded a collection of classic big band tunes with jazz saxophone master, Scott Hamilton – predating the neo swing revolution which took place in the 90s. Robillard then replaced Jimmie Vaughan on guitar in The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Robillard has recorded with artists such as Jimmy Witherspoon, Snooky Prior, Hal Singer and Bob Dylan. In 2006, Robillard toured with Tom Waits. In 2007 he was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category. In 2010 he was nominated for his second Grammy for “Stomp! The Blues Tonight!”