Charlie Robison, Renowned Texas Country Artist, Dies At Age 59
Robison passed away just days after his birthday.
Charlie Robison; Photo Courtesy Charlie Robison
Charlie Robison, a country music singer-songwriter from Texas, passed away on Sunday, September 10, just nine days after his 59th birthday.
His wife, Kristen Robison, announced his passing on social media on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 10).
What Was The Cause Of Charlie Robison’s Death?
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that my husband, Charlie Robison has passed away today, surrounded by his family and friends,” she wrote. “My heart is broken. Please pray for me, our children and our family.”
According to a report from The Associated Press (per a family representative), Robison passed away in a San Antonio hospital following a battle with cardiac arrest and other related complications.
Born In 1964
Charlie Robison, who was born on September 1, 1964, was previously married to Emily Erwin Strayer (Emily Robison) of The Chicks, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks. They had three children: Charles Augustus and twins Julianna Tex and Henry Benjamin. Charlie and Emily divorced in 2008 after nine years of marriage.
Years later, in 2015, Charlie wed Kristen. They welcomed a son, Jett James, in 2020.
He Came From A Musical Family
Robison hailed from a musically gifted family, with his brother Bruce Robison (songwriter of “Travelin’ Soldier”) and sister Robyn Ludwick also being talented singer-songwriters.
Hours after Charlie’s passing, Ludwick wrote, Today my heart is broken in the deepest most irreparable way. My big brother Charlie passed away in the arms of his loved ones. Please play some Charlie Robison on Repeat. He would want it that way.”
Charlie Robison left a mark on the Texas country music scene. He turned to music in the ‘80s when a knee injury left him sidelined from football at Southwest Texas State University. He soon wound up in Austin, Texas where he joined several bands, including Chaparral, Millionaire Playboys, and Two Hoots and a Holler. He later embarked on a solo career, making his debut as a solo artist in 1996 with “Bandera.” He was signed to Sony and went on to release songs such as “My Hometown,” “Poor Man’s Son,” and “I Want You Bad.”
He’s also known for his version of “El Cerrito Place,” which was written by Keith Gattis and also recorded by Kenny Chesney.
Did Charlie Robison Write His Own Songs?
Charlie’s music was infused with country, Southern rock, and classic rock. He was known for covering rock songs and Willie Nelson hits during his live shows (in addition to originals).
Collaborating with his brother Bruce and Jack Ingram, Charlie delivered a live album titled Unleashed Live in 2000. Subsequently, he signed with Columbia Records, where he released “Step Right Up” and another live album, establishing his reputation as a versatile and talented artist.
Nashville Star
In 2003, Charlie Robison gained national recognition as a judge on the inaugural season of the TV singing competition Nashville Star (the season that featured artists such as Miranda Lambert and Buddy Jewell).
Shifting to the smaller independent label Dualtone, Charlie Robison released “Good Times” in 2004, embarking on extensive tours that provided him newfound creative control. This period witnessed an evolution in his sound, as he incorporated influences from Southern and hard rock genres, steering away from mainstream Nashville country.
In 2009, he unveiled “Beautiful Day,” a pivotal moment in his career and an album that featured songs inspired by his divorce from Emily. The album featured songs written by renowned Nashville singer-songwriter Keith Gattis. Tracks like “Good Times” made their mark in popular culture, with the song being featured in HBO’s original series “True Blood.”
Retired From The Stage And Studio
However, in September 2018, a life-altering event occurred. Robison revealed to his fans that complications from surgery had permanently deprived him of his singing ability. In a heartfelt message, he announced his retirement from the stage and studio, closing a chapter in his life that had spanned 25 years. Despite the challenges he faced, Robison expressed gratitude for the incredible journey and the happiness his fans had given him.
“Hey amigos, Charlie here. I’m sure you’ve all been wondering where I’ve been. Well, at the beginning of this year I underwent a surgical procedure that because of complications left me with the permanent inability to sing. Therefore, with a very heavy heart I am officially retiring from the stage and studio,” Charlie wrote in a statement to his fans.
He promised to “keep it short” and went on to showcase his gratitude for those who have supported him along the way.
“It’s been an amazing ride and I cannot tell you all what the last 25 years has meant to me. I was looking forward to another 25 but as they say ‘shit happens.’ I thank you all for everything you’ve given me and I hope I was able to give you a fraction of the happiness you gave me. It was a hell of a ride but as they say all good things must end. Keep on supporting this thing we call Texas/Red dirt and hopefully we’ll all get to have a cocktail or two and talk about the good ol days. Until then, Buenos Noches. It’s been fun. Love each and every one of y’all.”
In 2022, Charlie Robison made an unexpected return to the music scene after a lengthy hiatus, with a show at the famous Billy Bob’s Texas.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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