Fenton "mellow" Robinson is another one of the most underrated and lesser known blues man. A Chicago guitarist and singer, he only recorded 5 albums and several singles over 4 decades. His album "Somebody Loan Me A Dime", which also became his signature tune was released in 1975 and is widely considered as one of the masterpieces of the blues.
And although he had a reputation as a great artist he just didn't sell many records, over looked by record labels and tour promoters a like.
No stranger to bad luck either, in the 1970s he was involved in a car crash and subsequently arrested and imprisoned for manslaughter. Paroled after nine months, he continued playing in Chicago clubs and later went on to teach guitar. Many of his fellow players knew he never had the break that he deserved
Larry Burton (one of the great sidemen of the Chicago blues) said -
"His manner was that of a quiet and thoughtful person which was evident in his stage demeanor... he did not play unbearably loud and he was not a shouter. Probably two of the things that held him back."
Fenton died 25th November 1997.
Here he is playing "You Don't Know What Love Is" recorded by the BBC in a Chicago club in January 1976. A true gentle man.
