Tim Robbins, the acclaimed actor, was raised in New York City's Greenwich Village, heavily influenced by its vibrant folk music scene. His father, Gil Robbins, was a prominent folk musician, a member of The Highwaymen, and the manager of The Gaslight Cafe, a notable venue that hosted early performances by artists like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and Bruce Springsteen. This upbringing instilled in Tim a deep appreciation for music and storytelling, shaping his artistic path.
Gil Robbins was not only a musician but also an actor, appearing in stage productions and films such as "Bob Roberts" (1992) and "Dead Man Walking" (1995). Before joining The Highwaymen in 1962, he was part of the trio Cumberland Three, recording three albums. Gil Robbins, who played guitarrón mexicano, wrote songs, and sang baritone for The Highwaymen, contributed to five of their albums before the group disbanded in 1964.
The musical talent was hereditary; both of Tim's parents met in the UCLA marching band. Tim himself developed a passion for music, forming an experimental theater group after college and later releasing his own album, "TIM ROBBINS AND THE ROGUES GALLERY" in 2011. This album features him as a singer, guitarist, and storyteller, reflecting the narrative tradition he was exposed to from a young age. Gil Robbins passed away in 2011 from prostate cancer at the age of 80, just two days after his birthday, leaving behind a significant musical legacy.
