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Gil Robbins Obituary
Robbins died Tuesday at his home in Esteban Cantu, Mexico, Tracey Jacobs said Saturday night in an email to The Associated Press. Jacobs is a publicist for Robbins' son, the actor and director Tim Robbins.
Shortly before Gil Robbins joined the Highwaymen, the group had a major hit with "Michael," its version of "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore." When Robbins joined in 1962, he took the group in a more political direction, playing and singing baritone on five albums until their 1964 breakup. (A country music supergroup with Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash later shared the same name.)
Tim Robbins, star of "The Shawshank Redemption and director of "Dead Man Walking," said in a statement to the AP that Gil Robbins was "a fantastic father," "a great musician" and "a man of unshakeable integrity."
"His commitment to so cial justice was evident to us from an early age, as was his infectious mischievous sense of humor," Tim Robbins said. "His passing has created great sadness for all of us and our mother but we take comfort in knowing that the angels will soon be soothed by the songs coming from his beautiful baritone voice."
Father and son worked together on the 1992 film "Bob Roberts." Tim Robbins directed and played the title role of a right-wing, folk-singing U.S. Senate candidate from Pennsylvania. The actor's brother David Robbins wrote and recorded the film's ultra-conservative folk songs, and Gil Robbins was listed in the credits as a vocal coach and choral consultant.
Robbins was born in Spokane, Wash., and raised in Southern California, where he studied music at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Before joining the Highwaymen, he was already a well-known musician in the folk scene that surrounded New York's Greenwich Village as a member of the Cumberland Th ree and the Belafonte Singers, and as a friend to famous folkies like John Stewart and Dave Van Ronk, according to The New York Times, which first reported his death.
After the Highwaymen, Robbins managed the Gaslight Club on Greenwich Village's famously musical MacDougal Street.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
74 Entries
Catherine Todd
February 19, 2022
I worked at the Gaslight Cafe as a waitress in the Village in 1968-1971 when Gil Robbins was a manager there, and the club was run by Sam Hood. I would save all the burned out light bulbs when I'd change them out for the cafe. Gil and I used to have the most fun throwing those burned out bulbs against the back of the tiny stage in the basement which was the Gaslight, laughing all the way... and then I'd go get the dust pan and the broom and clean it all up and get ready for another day. He was a real nice guy. I always remembered him for that. Sorry to see him go.
Who knew his son Tim Robbins would grow up to be so funny, skilled and handsome in his own way! They both did good, very good indeed. Katie, waitress at the Gaslight, with the long brown hair... now Catherine Todd
James Langdell
April 24, 2011
Gil's leadership of The Occasional Singers was inspiring, and comes to mind frequently in many years of my music making since then. Gil was ingenious in preparing compositions, often never heard before, with a clear vision of what experience each specific piece of music could offer. Rest in peace, Gil.
Ralph Shaffer
April 18, 2011
While others recall Gil's successful career, I will always remember him as drum major of the UCLA marching band c. 1950 and Mary as a flute player in the band. Gil was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha, the music fraternity at UCLA. What a glorious life Mary and Gil had together.
April 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Corletta Hardy
April 17, 2011
To the family of the late Mr.Gil Robbins may your memories bring you comfort during this time of beravement.The family that prays together will stay together and love one another .Sweeping due for a night but joy comes in the morning.Mr.Gil will live on thru his music.Sleep own Mr.Gil Robbins.
April 17, 2011
i'[m old enuf to remember the highway men and your dad will be missed.
April 17, 2011
We want to send our Sympathy to your family. We lost our dad this last year too, another member of the Highwaymen, and as hard as this has been, we take solice in that they will always live on in their music. David spoke foundly of Gil and shared many fun stories about the life and times with him in the Highwaymen. Their music will live on for generations!
Charlotte and Casey Fisher
Marlene Perry
April 16, 2011
Tim, My condolences to you and the rest of the Robbins folks. Another star will shine over the high country of Idaho. Blessed be. Marlene Anscomb Perry Grangeville Idaho
Carol Ringwald
April 15, 2011
My condolences to the entire Robbins family. I lost my father at the end of last year at the age of 87 so I know what you are going through. I just watched Shawshank Redemption for the umpteenth time the other day and always enjoy Tim's performance. May God bless you all during this time.
Jim Balfour
April 15, 2011
Tim, my condolences to you and your family. I very much enjoy many different kinds of music and your Father was a musician.
I noticed you a few times last year in various locations during the Jazz Fest but I didn't want to disturb your apparent anonymity. Kindest regards to you and your family members at this sad time. Jim (Kentucky)
Betty Shipalauski
April 14, 2011
We send our condolences to the entire Robbins family.As a longtime friend of Lee & Agnes Robbins and Neice of Edna & Charles Lloyd,I have wonderful memories of your entire family. Please know I are praying for you all.
Chris Ralston
April 14, 2011
Gil was my music teacher briefly at St. Joseph School in Pomona, California in 1959. I was nine years old. I'll always remember his engaging smile and bow ties. God bless you and take you in to Himself, Mr. Robbins. Your boat has come to shore.
Chris Ralston
April 14, 2011
I wish to add my thoughts and prayers to the family of Gil Robbins. If I remember correctly, in 1959 Mr. Robbins taught music at St. Joseph School in Pomona, California briefly where I was a 3rd grader. First male teacher I ever had. After a couple months, Mr. Robbins left "to join a folk group," I was told. The Cumberland Three with John Stewart? On my report card he gave me a "C" for music which turned out to be the only "C" I got in eight years of school there. As a kid I held that against Mr. Robbins for years, but now I am proud to say I was his pupil. I grew up listening to and loving folk music. I will always remember Mr. Robbins's engaging smile and bow ties. May God bless you, Mr. Robbins. I guess the boat finally made it to shore.
- Christopher Ralston, Bremerton, WA
Val & Sue
April 13, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to you, Mary, and your entire family. Gil was a marvelous person and a great friend. We're so glad to have the CD of the Highwaymen - listening to it reminds us of what a tremendous contribution he made to our musical history.
Eraina Woodworth
April 13, 2011
What a fabulous man with a fabulous musical history. My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Robbins. May he be in peace.
Jackie
April 13, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Robbins family. May the God of comfort keep you during your time of need. 2Cor.1:3-5
Stephen Raulston
April 13, 2011
Sincerest condolences to the Robbins family in this time of loss. To quote Tim because I feel it is such a beautiful tribute to his father "take comfort in knowing that the angels will soon be soothed by the songs coming from his beautiful baritone voice. God's Speed in your healing Robbins family.
Marlene Mullins
April 13, 2011
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Robbin's family. I grew-up with Tim, and I remember Mr. Robbins, as a child in Greenwich Village. He was a wonderful, loving and kind man, and very dedicated to his fellow man. My love to Tim, and the entire family at this painful time. All of you are in my prayers.
Warmly,
Marlene Mullins
JUDY SIMONS
April 13, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
SHERRY HILER
April 13, 2011
I remember singing along with Gil, on "row your boat ashore", Still love it. GOD will bring peace in your familys time of need. R.I.P.
Becky Shaw
April 13, 2011
Condolences to the family of Gil Robbins. His talent and personality will be missed by many.
From a fan.
Ruby
April 13, 2011
My deepest sympathy for your family. As a singer and one who advocated for social justice for all, Gil will be remembered. As a man with a family and friends he will be sorely missed. Another well known advocate, the humble man Job once said, "If an able bodied man dies, will he live again? All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, Until my relief comes" (Job 14:14). May that be the hope of all those who mourn Gil's passing.
Rick Schafrick
April 13, 2011
I've enjoyed your music my entire life. Rest in Peace Mr. Robbins
April 13, 2011
May it be a comfort to you knowing that our Creator and others care and offer sincere sympathy to your family.
- Sheryl, Indiana
K. Harrison
April 13, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out out to the Robbins Family during this most difficult time of loss. May you find comfort from the words found at Isaiah 61:2.
Daniels Family
April 13, 2011
We are so very sorry and offer our condolences. May your many precious memories of Mr Robbins and knowing that the God of all comfort cares, ease the pain of your grief.
S Parks
April 13, 2011
Although I never met him, his music was on my mind and lips so many times in the sixties. My condolences to your family. May God give you His peace!
Krystel
April 13, 2011
Je présente toutes mes condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Gil Robbins, la mort est une ennemie cruelle mais Dieu , qui est Tout Puissant la réduira à rien comme le confirme 1 corinthiens 15:26 " Comme dernier ennemie, la mort sera réduite à rien." Puissiez vous trouver du réconfort auprès de Dieu qui saura vous soulager et vous apporter la paix dont vous avez besoin pour passer cette terrible épreuve . K
Barrin Bonet
April 12, 2011
Mary, Adele, Gabrielle and Tim I am sad to hear the news about Gil passing. He was a great man with a terrific family. I feel blessed that I sang with you in the Occasional Singers with Gil He was a great musician, teacher and taskmaster. I have many great memories of the terrific and unique music that Gil picked out for us to sing. I learned so much. The picnics in the park... Gil making crepes with great care on a tiny burner. What a rich life . Love to all of you. Gil and all of you will always be in my heart.
Thank you Gil Keep on singing!!!!
Dorothy Chaffee
April 12, 2011
I am a fan that liked Gils music and rember Singing the song Michel I was 5 years old at the time. My condolences to the Family.
M B
April 12, 2011
To the Robbins Families, may you all continue to hold on to dear memories of your father and know that our Heavenly Father is the God of comfort for all those who are mourning. " Isaiah 61:2. He is close to all those who are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.- I am sorry for your great loss, -
April 12, 2011
Dear Mary,
My first response was mostly about me -- the news hit hard and I had to say something; I remembered all those good times and the wonderful get-togethers we had, which were not long enough, though.
I'm so very sorry to hear of Gil's death; it will be very hard for you and your family, but with God's grace and blessings, you will survive; it won't get better soon or in any pattern, but it will, day by day and month by month. My prayers and love go out to you and your family.
The love he had for you was more than believable, it was a glowing window in which all of us basked.
Love and prayers,
Bob Carroll
Albert Sanchez
April 12, 2011
Tim Robbins,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Father. Considering the time period, he was way ahead of his time. His advocacy for Social Justice will carry on.
Peace,
Sara Steele
April 12, 2011
Hi Mary,
You may remember me from our years in the New York Choral Society where we sat next to each other in the Alto II section. I was also your helper with all that music that we stored under the stage. I miss you and am unhappy that the years have caused us to lose contact with each other.
I am so sad to learn of Gil's passing. I never met him face to face but did attend some of the concerts, which he directed, presented by the small chorus which you had down in the Village. I think that it was called "The Occasional Singers."
You have been blessed with a wonderful family, but it is so painful to have one of them go. My thoughts and prayers and love are with you.
Sara Steele
Now in New Jersey
April 12, 2011
To Gil's Family:
I met Gil at UCLA and stayed friends for some time, but lost touch when he went to NY; he was in the UCLA "Greater Bruin Band", of which I was Manager my senior year at UCLA. His wife, Mary Bledsoe, was my wife's maid-of-honor at our wedding on August 25, 1951. He played organ for me when I was Choir Director in El Monte CA. Gil sent me some excellent Easter music from NY, but I think that was the last contact we had. WOW! I'm sorry we didn't keep in touch.
Love to all,
Bob Carroll
Fields Family
April 12, 2011
Sorry to hear about Gil passing away. He is in God's memory and awaiting to be resurrected to a new world where he won't be suffering or sick. (Revelation 21:3,4)
Sebastian Papa
April 12, 2011
My condolences to the Rbbin's family. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this time of your loss. God Bless.
April 12, 2011
Dear Robbins Family, sorry you have experienced this great loss of someone so dear to you. Gil Robbins have touched the lives of so many. May you find comfort in Isaiah 11:9;25:8;33:24;35:1
C. Hayes
April 12, 2011
So very sorry for the loss of your Father.My prayers go out to the family.
becca
April 12, 2011
To the Robbins family, allow me to offer my sympathy for your great loss. I was aware that Tim's father was in the Highwaymen, but never saw a photo of him. What a smile; he certainly was blessed with good looks as well as good morals, and a code of ethics this world could use mega-doses of right now. Take great comfort in the life that Gil lived. It was extraordinary in many ways, and he lived it well. Blessings to the Robbins family, and thank you, Gil, for the first rate human being you were. I have complete faith that your family will continue to carry on your good works.
Much love,
becca
Margaret Tardo
April 12, 2011
To Tim Robbins and his family and friends, my prayers are with you for the loss of your father Gil Robbins. God has called another Angel to Heaven to watch down upon us. God Bless you all.
Will Austin
April 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with All the Family.
james willner
April 12, 2011
REST IN PEACE......
pat stadt
April 12, 2011
so sorry for your loss. bless you all.
lisa kretschmer
April 12, 2011
Sorry for your loss. I learned alot working for him at PW/Staffing Inc. Just want you all to know I will be sending wonderful thoughts your way.
Barbara
April 12, 2011
Wishing you peace at this time of sorrow. I hope with time that the comfort of his memory helps, but understand that this is a sad time which none of us escape.
Rhonda
April 12, 2011
Sorry for your loss. It's says a lot about a person when their own son speaks so highly of them. It means more than what anyone else might say. You were truly blessed to have such a great dad. Cherish your memories of him.
Valerie Banta
April 12, 2011
I remember the Highwaymen very well as I was just coming into my love for music. Their song, "Michael" especially is one I have always remembered and enjoyed.
My sincere sympathies go out to the Robbin's family as do my prayers that God will give them peace and comfort during the difficult days ahead. Cling to the good memories always.
K. Henderson
April 12, 2011
I am very sadden by the loss of Gil. May your family be comforted by the support by call and card. Know the God of comfort will give you the needed support.
April 12, 2011
RIP
Matt H
April 12, 2011
Tim, Your Dad is truly in a better place. As a little kid, I enjoyed his music. As an adult, I have enjoyed your work. Try not to be sad & celebrate his life as it should be remembered. My sympathies to you, your family, & friends. Matt H
Janet Lick
April 12, 2011
So sad, But he lived a good long life. I am so sorry Mr Tim Robbins about you father's passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. You Mr Tim Robbins is and has always been one of my very favorite people. WIll be thinking and praying for you.
Kathy Sweet
April 12, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such a fine man.
My prayers are with you .
R Golay
April 12, 2011
To the the family of Gil Robbins- May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Gil will be missed by many.
Sheryl R. Lamb-Davis
April 11, 2011
My prayers are with the Robbins Family. May the Grace and Mercy of our Heavenly Father comfort you now and forever.
April 11, 2011
loved his music
April 11, 2011
May the father of tender mercies, and the God of all comfort, comfort all of you in your time of great sorrow.
JG,NC
john smith
April 11, 2011
r.i.p.
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
April 11, 2011
REST IN PEACE
Marty
April 11, 2011
May your family always know that you will dwell in their hearts and I pray this will help comfort them in their grief. I hope that all those who knew you will celebrate your life in the way you would have were the situations reversed. Send your sign that you live still by the falling of a feather, the dropping of a favored petal from a flowering tree or the sound of thunder laughing in the distance. God love ya!!
Henryk Zaleski
April 11, 2011
Rest in peace.
Kowalski Family
April 11, 2011
How lucky we are to have Gil Robbins in our lives...a true reminder of the importance of a true voice. The Robbins family voices have inspired my family in so many ways. Thank you always for demonstrating strength and conviction in the face of adversity. Qualities we should all possess!
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Robbins and the family. We will truly miss Gil Robbins' voice but we will never forget his message.
Sincerest Wishes, Colleen, Fred, Conor, and Max Kowalski (Chicago, IL)
Debbie Warford
April 11, 2011
To Mr. Robbins Family:
May you find comfort in your happy memories and knowing that others are thinking of you during this difficult time.
M. Jones
April 11, 2011
May Jehovah comfort you all during this time of great sadness.
J Chase
April 11, 2011
My condolences to Mr. Robbins' family. The Highwaymen was one of my top 3 favorite groups in younger years and I still enjoy their music.
Kimberly King-Miller
April 11, 2011
My prayers are with the Robbins Family. Your Father was a great man.
Don Armstrong
April 11, 2011
Gil, Mary and family would visit us whenever Gil came to Saratoga Springs to play Caffe Lena. When I decided to become a professional folk singer, Gil & Mary would have me over to the apartment for dinner whenever I was in the city. His friendship, encouragement, support and advice is something I will aways treasure, and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. To Mary, David, Timmy (as we called him way back when), Adele, Gabrielle, and brother Tom (who taught me how to frail a banjo), you are in my thoughts and prayers, and to Gil, I can only say thank you and vaya con Dios, Amigo.
Dan Pettis
April 11, 2011
R.I.P. Mr Robbins, my thoughts & prayers are with his family & close friends
Kellye Robinson
April 11, 2011
Condolences to Tim and his family in this time of sorrow. Delight in the time you spent together and cherish that. He's always with you.
Kenny
April 11, 2011
Hang in there Andy Dufresne...
Judith Merritt
April 11, 2011
To the family of Mr. Gil Robbins. Being the right age at the right time, I was a fan. Plan to take a trip down memory lane today in honor of Mr. Robbins by listening to everything I can find by the Highwaymen. So sorry for your loss.
Gail Siegel
April 11, 2011
I would like to express my condolences to the Robbins family for the loss of their father.
May all your memories of him bring a smile to your faces & your hearts.
Rest In Peace, Gil Robbins. You will be singing to God with the angels.
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