Hargus “Pig” Robbins, known for playing piano on thousands of Nashville sessions and Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” has died at 84.
Robbins, who lost his sight at the age of three, was also a session pianist for notable country artists such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart, Sturgill Simpson, Miranda Lambert, and many more.
“Like all successful session musicians, Pig Robbins was quick to adapt to any studio situation. He worked quickly, with perfection less a goal than a norm,” wrote Hall of Fame CEO, Kyle Young. “The greatest musicians in Nashville turned to Pig for guidance and inspiration.”
“Dad had been hospitalized twice in the last 2 months,” Robbins’ family wrote in a statement posted to Facebook. “He suffered from a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, kidney disease, heart disease, etc. It all became too much for his body to handle. But he had a strong mind til the end. He had a great life and was loved by many. His musical legacy will live on.”
Robbins was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. He was also named the CMA’s Instrumentalist of the Year in 1976, and again in 2000.
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