Robert Laughlin
Robert Laughlin was born in San Francisco to show business parents, his mother a big band singer and his father
a stage magician. He grew up in Oakland and earned a degree in Anthropology from the University of California at
Berkeley. Finding little demand for anthropologists in the job market, he tried his hand at piano lessons. At the
age of 23 he began studying with legendary western swing pianist Floyd Domino. Domino was just 19 at the time and
playing with an up and coming band called "Asleep At The Wheel."
Today Robert's primary musical interest is New Orleans flavored rhythm and blues piano as performed by the likes
of Professor Longhair, James Booker and Dr. John. Robert has traveled to New Orleans extensively to study the art
and has had direct coaching from Dr. John and noted singer/songwriter Allen Toussaint, among others.
Robert lives with his wife and teenage daughter in Paradise, a small town in the western slopes of California's
Sierra Nevada mountains. His outside interests include snow skiing and scuba diving. Wife Pam (a musician in her
own right) and daughter Emily are certified divers as well.
Robert started studying karate in 1993 and now holds the rank of black belt. He still works out in karate regularly.
In the summer he practically lives on a houseboat he keeps moored at Lake Oroville, a five minute drive from his
home.
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