Abu Talib (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abu Talib
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| Birth name | Fred Leroy Robinson |
| Born | February 24, 1939 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | October 8, 2009 (aged 70) Lancaster, California, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1956–94 |
| Labels | Queen, Checker, Pacific Jazz, Enterprise |
Abu Talib (born Fred Leroy Robinson; February 24, 1939 – October 8, 2009) was an American blues and R&B guitarist. He was known for his amazing guitar skills. He played with many famous musicians throughout his career.
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Early Life and Music Career
Fred Leroy Robinson was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Arkansas. In 1956, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He was inspired to play guitar by Joe Willie Wilkins.
That same year, he made his first recordings. He played guitar for a harmonica player named Birmingham Jones. In 1958, he started touring with Little Walter. He also decided to study music formally. He went to the Chicago School of Music to learn more.
Abu Talib worked with the legendary blues musician Howlin' Wolf. He played on some of Howlin' Wolf's most famous songs. These include "Spoonful", "Back Door Man", and "Wang Dang Doodle".
Playing with the Stars
In the mid-1960s, Abu Talib played with popular R&B singers. He worked with Jerry Butler and Syl Johnson. Later, he joined Ray Charles' band in Los Angeles.
While in Los Angeles, he recorded an instrumental song called "Black Fox". This song became a small hit. It reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This chart lists the most popular songs in the U.S. It also reached number 29 on the R&B chart.
In the early 1970s, he worked with English blues bandleader John Mayall. He played on Mayall's album Jazz Blues Fusion. He also recorded albums with trumpet player Blue Mitchell.
Abu Talib released two albums of his own. These were At The Drive In and Off The Cuff. On these albums, he was supported by members of The Crusaders. He also worked with many other artists. These included Bobby Bland in the 1980s. In 1994, he released another album of his own songs called The Real Thing at Last.
Personal Life
In 1975, Fred Leroy Robinson converted to Islam. He then changed his name to Abu Talib.
Abu Talib was married twice. He had seven children from his two marriages.
On October 8, 2009, Abu Talib passed away. He died from cancer in Lancaster, California. He was 70 years old.
Discography
Abu Talib released several singles and albums during his career.
Albums
- 1968: The Coming Atlantis (later called Black Fox)
- 1968: Hot Fun in the Summertime
- 1971: At the Drive-In
- 1973: Off the Cuff
- 1994: The Real Thing at Last
- 1999: Bluesology
See Also
