Robbie King

Robbie King (1947–2003) was one of Vancouver’s most gifted keyboardists, a master of the Hammond B3 whose sound rippled far beyond the West Coast. Born and raised in Malartic, Quebec, he made his way west and quickly became a cornerstone of Vancouver’s R&B, soul, and rock circuits. By the mid-1960s he was already in demand, playing with Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers before moving through Papa Bear’s Medicine Show, Brahman, and The Hometown Band. He later became a regular in the Hans Staymer Band and, with his deep groove and arranging skill, could shift seamlessly between blues, jazz, and pop. In the early 1970s, King joined Skylark, the pop-soul ensemble whose hit “Wildflower” remains a Canadian classic. His Hammond textures helped define the group’s sound, and his playing made him a sought-after session hand. Through the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond, King became a go-to touring and recording musician: his organ grooves and sure-footed touch turned up everywhere from Vancouver blues bands to sessions for visiting stars. King’s reach extended internationally as well: he worked with Motown legends Diana Ross & The Supremes, and later appeared alongside Ronnie Hawkins, Long John Baldry, and Bryan Adams. Closer to home, he anchored Vancouver clubs like the Yale Hotel and brought fire and swing to the Cal Batchelor Band, where his Hammond sound was central to their blues-rock bite. In 2004, the posthumous album Showtime in the Main Lounge captured his B3 at full throttle, recorded both in the studio and live at the Yale, with guest turns from friends like Jerry Doucette. Remembered for his generosity, humor, and unshakable feel, Robbie King remains a touchstone of Vancouver’s music history — a player whose organ could roar like a jet or whisper like a prayer, always with soul at the centre. -Robert Williston Associated Acts: Papa Bears Medicine Show: https://citizenfreak.com/artists/100826-papa-bears-medicine-show Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/303425-taylor-bobby-and-the-vancouvers-st The Hometown Band: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/283518-hometown-band-flying Brahman: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/268568-brahman-st Hans Staymer Band: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/326522-staymer-hans-band-st Skylark: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/300931-skylark-st Jim Byrnes Band: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/269613-byrnes-jim-burning Cal Batchelor Band: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/329307-batchelor-cal-band-roadworthy Oscar McLollie: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/319433-mclollie-oscar-st Don Jewitt - Between Hello and Goodbye: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/284835-jewitt-don-between-hello-and-goodbye Chilliwack (guest/session) Trooper (guest/session)