Charles Fitzgerald Robison, commonly known as Charlie Robison, was born on September 1, 1964. He was an American country music singer-songwriter. He came from a family of musicians; his brother, Bruce Robison, and his sister, Robyn Ludwick, are also singer-songwriters.
Career
Early Career and Education
Charlie initially attended Southwest Texas State University with the aim of pursuing a football career. However, a knee injury forced him to reconsider his path. He moved to Austin, Texas in the late 1980s and began his music career.
Initial Bands
He first joined the bands Chaparral, Millionaire Playboys, and Two Hoots and a Holler before deciding to go solo.
Solo Career
His solo career kicked off with the album “Bandera” in 1996. He later signed with Sony and released “Life of the Party” on Sony’s subsidiary, Lucky Dog Records. The album featured hits like “My Hometown”.
Collaborations and Live Albums
He collaborated with his brother Bruce and Jack Ingram on a live album called “Unleashed Live”. He then moved to Columbia Records and released “Step Right Up”, followed by another live album.
Television Appearance
In 2003, Charlie was a judge on the first season of Nashville Star, a TV singing competition.
Indie Label and Sound Evolution
Dissatisfied with the Nashville music scene, he switched to an independent label, Dualtone, and released “Good Times” in 2004. This allowed him more creative freedom, and his sound began to evolve, incorporating Southern and hard rock influences.
Later Albums
He later released “Beautiful Day” in 2009, also on Dualtone, which was his first self-produced album. He frequently collaborated with Keith Gattis, a Nashville singer-songwriter.
Tours and Live Performances
Charlie toured extensively, including an East Coast tour in 2009 with stops in cities like Little Rock, Nashville, and New York City. He was known for covering classic rock songs during live performances, such as tracks by AC/DC and Elton John.
Band Members
His live band included musicians like Mark Tokach, Abe Combest, and Zeke Benenate. Before his album “Beautiful Day”, his band was known as The Enablers.
Retirement and Comeback
Due to complications from surgery, Charlie announced his retirement in 2018. However, he resumed his music career in 2022 with a tour that included a performance at Billy Bob’s, a venue where he had performed in 1997.
Business Ventures
In 2014, Charlie co-opened Alamo Icehouse in San Antonio, Texas with former MLB player Brooks Kieschnick.
Personal Life and Death
Marriages and Children
Charlie married Emily Erwin of The Chicks in 1999 and had three children: Charles Augustus, Julianna Tex, and Henry Benjamin. The couple divorced in 2008. He later married Kirsten, with whom he had a son, Jett James, in 2020.
Death
Tragically, Charlie Robison passed away on September 10, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas, just days after celebrating his 59th birthday.
Legacy
Charlie Robison leaves behind an indelible impact on American country music, blending traditional elements with modern influences. His family, fans, and the music community mourn the loss of this talented artist.
