Charlie Robinson

Charlie Robison was a celebrated Texas country singer-songwriter known for his gritty vocals, vivid storytelling, and authentic roots rock sound. Born September 1, 1964, in Houston, Texas, Robison grew up in Bandera, Texas— “t. he Cowboy Capital of the World”—where he was steeped in the Hill Country music tradition that would shape his career.

Originally a college football hopeful, a knee injury led him to pursue music instead. In the late 1980s, he became a fixture of the Austin scene, performing with bands like Chaparral, Two Hoots and a Holler, and Millionaire Playboys before launching a solo career.

Robison’s solo debut, Bandera (1996), captured his Hill Country roots, and his 2001 album Step Right Up on Sony’s Lucky Dog label featured his only Top 40 country hit, “I Want You Bad.” He also released beloved albums such as Life of the Party (1998), Good Times (2004), and High Life (2013), showcasing raw, heartfelt storytelling and Texas swagger.

An engaging live performer, Robison headlined major Texas venues—recording Live at Billy Bob’s—and served as a judge on USA Network's Nashville Star in 2003.

In 2018, complications from throat surgery caused Robison to lose his singing voice, prompting an emotional retirement announcement: “With a very heavy heart, I am officially retiring from the stage and studio”. However, he briefly returned to the stage for a one-off show in 2022.

Charlie Robison passed away on September 10, 2023, at age 59, following cardiac arrest in a San Antonio hospital. He is survived by his wife Kristen and their children, as well as three children from his first marriage to Emily Strayer of The Chicks.

Robison’s legacy as a raw, independent voice in Texas country continues to resonate with fans and fellow musicians, marking him as a true icon of the Lone Star sound.