“That explains a lot of things, (such as) how I took to the music naturally. I don’t remember learning my chords,” Robertson said. “I’ve been into music my whole life.”

Robertson considered music a side career until a heart attack three years ago made his roofing impossible and he relied on performing to get him through.

“That eliminated any day job … I couldn’t climb the ladders,” Robertson said. “So one day, I was (playing) at a park … and these kids walked by and threw a dollar at me … I said, ‘Oh, I’ve heard of this taking it to the streets type of thing.’”

Robertson recorded an album in 2001, and he since has performed in Lansing venues such as the Loft and the Creole Gallery, as well as the streets of East Lansing. But in April, another life-threatening medical episode placed a hurdle in his musical career.

“I had an epileptic seizure, and my manager, Ann (Duffy), brought me back to life,” Robertson said. “I was in the hospital for three days. I didn’t even know who I was.”

Because of the incident, Duffy decided to put on a benefit concert yesterday at Art Alley, 1133 S. Washington Ave., to help Robertson pay his medical bills.

“He’s my son’s godfather, and when I found him (unconscious), I thought he was gone forever. I’m just ecstatic he’s still alive,” said Duffy, who performed CPR to save Robertson’s life after the seizure. “It’s so cool that he’s always happy; no matter what the situation, Greg can always smile.”

Local musician Kyle Pentecost volunteered to be a part of the concert and has performed with Robertson in the past, while growing to admire his talent as a performer.

“I was just out walking in East Lansing, going to the bars or whatever, and I saw Greg,” Pentecost said. “We played a show once, so I knew he was a good player, and I found myself just sitting there listening, and I realized quickly that he knows (so much) about folk music … he really knows his instrument.”

Jory Stultz, another local musician, said he volunteered to participate in the concert because he knows Robertson personally and wants to see him continue his art.

“I love this man; he is an amazing, talented musician … he’s the epitome of what this town needs,” Stultz said. “To (Greg), it doesn’t matter what style the performer is; he just says, ‘Let’s jam.’ I love that mentality.”

Although he gets praise from other performers, Robertson said he’s happy to be performing.

“I’m overwhelmed that so many people would want to support me … all these people (to whom) I say, ‘Oh, I love your music; I look up to you,’” Robertson said. “And they say the same thing to me — I’m honored.”