Robert Wilkins Born: 1896 Died: 1987

Born 20 miles south of Memphis Robert Wilkins took the surname of his stepfather.  Know as Tim Oliver or Robert Timothy Oliver he worked on the plantation with the rest of his family.  He learned the basics of playing guitar from his stepfather who often had traveling musicians as guests. 

Around 1911 Wilkins moved to Memphis, reassumed his birth name and began playing around the town on street corners.  He served in World War I, but thereafter worked for many years as a professional musician in and around Memphis.  Wilkins played with Furry Lewis, Memphis Minnie and Son House.  He also formed a jug band while those were popular.

Wilkins penned the song "That's No Way to Get Along" which would later be renamed "Prodigal Son" and covered by the Rolling Stones. 

Unlike many blues performers Wilkins rode out much of the depression playing jobs in Memphis.  After some gigs that were rougher than he liked Wilkins decided to devote himself to his church instead of continuing to eke out a living among the desperate.  A member of the Church of God in Christ, Wilkins was ordained as a minister.  He continued to play in his distinctive style, but only with gospel themes.

His latter output was some of the finest of Memphis blues soloists.  Although "rediscovered" in the 1960s folk / blues explosion Reverend Wilkins continued to confine himself to the gospel songs created within the blues structure.  These are truly fine recordings and a great credit to the man. 

Reverend Wilkins died in 1987 at the age of 91 leaving a rich and polished legacy.

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