Robben Ford Biography

Robben Ford (born December 16, 1951) is a blues, jazz and rock guitarist. Robben is a unique guitarist and singer who has the ability to play great blues, fusion and jazz.

He was born Woodlake, California and raised in Ukiah, began playing the saxophone at age 10, and picked up the guitar at age 13. Robben and his brothers Mark (mouthharp) and Patrick (drums) had a blues band they named the Charles Ford Blues Band in honor of their father.

Robben began playing professionally at age 18 when the Ford Blues Band got a gig backing up Charlie Musselwhite. The band also recorded two albums The Charles Ford Band and Discovering the Blues. Next Robben put together a band with Bay Area musicians that became Jimmy Witherspoon's backup band. Robben recorded two albums with Jimmy, Live and Spoonful'. The Ford Blues Band reunites periodically, and released live albums in the 80's, 90's.

Robben joined the L.A. Express led by saxophonist Tom Scott in 1974. In addition to recording fusion albums, they served as Joni Mitchell's backup band on Hissing of Summer Lawns and the live Miles of Ailes. That same year they backed up George Harrison on his only tour.

After leaving Tom Scott, Robben recorded his solo album The Inside Story with a band that was to become the Yellowjackets. He went on to play a starring role on the first two Yellowjackets albums, although he was listed as a guest artist due to record company arrangements.

Robben worked briefly with Miles Davis in 1986, he can be heard on Miles Montreux box set. He released his next album called Talk to Your Daughter in 1988, a return to his blues roots. His best work in the 1990's include Robben Ford & the Blue Line, and Tiger Walk. In addition to recording and touring with his blues band, Robben continues to tour and play with other bands/artists such as Jing Chi (his fusion band), Greg Allman and Phil Lesh.

Robben Ford uses Dumble Amplifiers. Guitar manufacturer Fender makes a Robben Ford Signature guitar.

Robben is married to caberet singer Anne Kerry Ford and collaborated with her on various projects.