Fenton Robinson - You Don't Know What Love Is

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Fenton Lee Robinson (September 23, 1935 – November 25, 1997) was an American blues singer and guitarist, renowned for his sophisticated blend of Chicago and Texas blues. Born near Greenwood, Mississippi, Robinson embarked on his musical journey at 18, moving to Memphis, Tennessee, where he recorded his debut single, "Tennessee Woman," in 1957. Two years later, he recorded "As the Years Go Passing By," a track that would become a blues standard.
In 1962, Robinson settled in Chicago, immersing himself in the city's vibrant blues scene. His signature song, "Somebody Loan Me a Dime," was first recorded in 1967. Although a snowstorm hindered its initial distribution, the song gained prominence when Boz Scaggs covered it in 1969, albeit with misattributed songwriting credits, leading to legal disputes. Robinson re-recorded the track for his 1974 album of the same name, released under Alligator Records. This album, along with subsequent releases like "I Hear Some Blues Downstairs" (1977) and "Nightflight" (1984), showcased his smooth baritone voice and jazz-inflected guitar style, earning critical acclaim.
Despite facing personal challenges, including a brief incarceration in the 1970s, Robinson continued to perform and later dedicated time to teaching guitar. His contributions to the blues genre were posthumously recognized with his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2023. Robinson passed away in Rockford, Illinois, in 1997 due to complications from brain cancer.