Robert Lee "Smokey" Wilson (July 11, 1936 – September 8, 2015)[1][2] was an American West Coast bluesguitarist. He spent most of his career performing West Coast blues and juke joint blues in Los Angeles, California. He recorded a number of albums for record labels such as P-Vine Records, Bullseye Blues and Texmuse Records. His career got off to a late start, with international recognition eluding him until the 1990s.
Smoke n' Fire (1993) and The Real Deal (1995) followed, as Wilson's reputation began to grow as he reached his sixtieth year.[1]
Whilst Wilson's years of residency at the Pioneer Club did little to secure nationwide recognition, he appeared on the PBS special Three Generation of Blues, with Robert Cray and John Lee Hooker. He also appeared in various television commercials, including UPN's "The Watcher," and FOX's "Divas", plus in a music video made by Babyface.[4]
Wilson died in his sleep on September 8, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.[2][5]
Discography
Blowin' Smoke (1977), Big Town; reissued on CD by P-Vine
Sings the Blues (1978), Big Town; reissued on CD by P-Vine
88th Street Blues (1983); reissued in 1995 by Blind Pig
