Artist:Robert Wilkins
Song:That's No Way To Get Along
Album:The Original Rolling Stone
Bluesman Robert Wilkins recorded seventeen songs from 1928-35. One of those songs, That's No Way To Get Along, was covered by The Rolling Stones. And that generated enough interest in Wilkins that he was rediscovered in the 60s. He was born Jan. 16, 1896 in Hernando, MS. This was close enough to Memphis that Wilkins moved there as a teen. For a while he led a jug band. After appearing on a Memphis radio station, Wilkins recorded for Vocalion and Brunswick from 1928-35. That's No Way To Get Along was released on Brunswick in 1930. He witnessed a murder while performing in 1936. He gave up the blues and became a minister. He was rediscovered by blues enthusiast Dick Spottiswood in 1964. And this led to him recording an album for Spottiswood's Piedmont label and playing folk festivals. The Rolling Stones covered That's No Way To Get Along as Prodigal Son on the 1968 album Beggars Banquet. That generated even more interest in Wilkins and he continued to perform until he died on May 26, 1987. In his performances, Wilkins reworked his songs so they would have a gospel message. His son John Wilkins continued his legacy after his death. You can get all of Wilkins' original recordings on this CD from Yazoo. Here's a video for That's No Way To Get Along by Robert Wilkins.
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