RICHMOND, VA (CelebrityAccess) — Singer-songwriter Robbin Thompson, who former member of Steel Mill with Bruce Springsteen, and the co-writer of the official Virginia state song, died of complications of cancer. He was 66.
Robbins publically revealed in September via his Facebook page that he was battling an unspecified type of cancer.
"I apologize for being out of touch for a while. Many of you know that I've been battling cancer for over 15 years. These days, it's causing a few problems but I'm dealing with it and will be back performing soon. Like real soon. Prayers are always welcome but you don't need to tell me about it, I'll know your thinkin' about me and it's appreciated," Robbins wrote on Sept. 22nd.
Thompson, who grew up in Florida, started his musical career playing with a number of Florida-based bands, including Transcontinental Mercy Flight, which opened for Bruce Springsteen's band Steel Mill, which was a proto-configuration for the E Street Band. Springsteen soon recruited Thompson to serve as a secondary vocalist for the group, which would play some of Thompson's material, including "Train Ride."
After Steel Mill split, Thompson launched a solo career, and found some commercial success with releases such as his 1980 album " Two B's Please."
Another of Thompson's songs, "Sweet Virginia Breeze," which he co wrote with Steve Bassett, was adopted as Virginia's official popular state song.
In 2010, Thompson won an Independent Music Awards for his gospel hit "Move On Down The Line." – Staff Writers
