Duke Robillard is a celebrated American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader known for his mastery of blues, jump R&B, swing, and roots rock.

His early influences included rock pioneers like Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, which he discovered through his older brother's record collection.

Inspired by these sounds, he crafted his first guitar with his father, modeled after James Burton's Fender Telecaster.

In 1967, Robillard co-founded Roomful of Blues with pianist Al Copley in Westerly, Rhode Island.

The band became a regional sensation, known for its jump blues style, and released two albums on Rounder Records.