Bluebird Cafe fixture Bob Biles, a.k.a. 'Roberto Bianco,' dies at 72

A legendary Nashville music venue has lost an important member of its family.

Bluebird Cafe fixture Bob Biles — known to regulars as "Roberto Bianco" —  died Tuesday at age 72, following complications from surgery. 

As "Roberto," Biles was the closing act every year at the Bluebird's annual Christmas concerts and anniversary celebrations, from its opening in 1982 until 2017. 

He was playfully dubbed "The Romantic Voice of Our Time” and brought an over-the-top, '60s-Vegas-inspired performance style to the low-key songwriters' club. 

Joined by the Jay Patten Band, Biles would often perform his version of "White Christmas," as well as his signature song, "Quando Condo." He can be seen belting out the latter in the 1987 movie "Ernest Goes to Camp."

His relationship with the Bluebird actually pre-dates the venue itself. Founder Amy Kurland says that without Biles, "there would not have been a Bluebird Cafe."

"When I thought about opening a restaurant with a little music on the side back in 1982, Bob offered to be my partner," Kurland wrote in the Bluebird newsletter.

"He knew everyone, and was beloved by all. He had bartended at J. Austin’s, a great music club that was located in the basement of where the Bluebird is now. He had the skills and the connections that made me believe that we could open a club. Our business relationship did not work out, but our friendship survived all that. I was on my own, but Bob was always loving and encouraging."

Kurland says a gathering in Biles' honor is being planned.

"For now, there is only one thing I can say. Roberto Bianco has left the building."