Christopher Mark Robinson(born December 20, 1966) is an American musician. He founded therockbandThe Black Crowes,then known as Mr. Crowe's Garden, with his brotherRich Robinsonin 1984. Chris is the lead singer of The Black Crowes, and he and his brother are the only continuous members of the Crowes. He was thevocalistandrhythm guitaristfor theChris Robinson Brotherhood,which toured and recorded from 2011 through 2019. The band broke up after the death of guitarist,Neal Casal,and the Crowes’ return from hiatus, respectively. Robinson is noted for his hightenorvocal rangeand bluesy vocal runs.
Chris Robinson | |
|---|---|
 Robinson in 2018 | |
| Born | Christopher Mark Robinson December 20, 1966 |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, guitarist |
| Years active | 1984-present |
| Spouses |
|
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Rich Robinson(brother) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Rock |
| Instruments |
|
| Website | ChrisRobinsonBrotherhood |
Early years
editRobinson was born inAtlanta, Georgia.He is the son of Nancy Jane (née Bradley) and Stanley "Stan" Robinson, who had a minorBillboardcharted record in 1959 called "Boom-A-Dip-Dip" and who died in September 2013.[1]Along with his brother Rich, Robinson formed Mr. Crowe's Garden in the 1980s, having been heavily influenced byThe FacesandThe Rolling Stones.[2]They played a variety of clubs in and around Atlanta.
Robinson attendedWofford CollegeinSpartanburg, South Carolina.As a teenager, Robinson decorated his dorm room with aTom Waitsposter and aDream Syndicateposter: "...even at 18, I was into music."[3]
Career
editThe Black Crowes
editIn 1989, Mr. Crowe's Garden changed their name to The Black Crowes. They were signed toRick Rubin's labelDef Americanand released their debut albumShake Your Money Maker.With the success of their album they went out on tour to support it. They played one date supportingZZ Top.During this tour Chris was criticized for talking to the audience about his opposition to corporate sponsorship. This led to ZZ Top firing The Black Crowes from the tour.
In May 1991, Chris Robinson spat at or on a female customer at a7-Elevenconvenience store. Robinson was arrested for assault and disturbing the peace, and pleadedno contestsix months later.
In the media, Robinson would openly discuss his use ofcannabis.
Over the next nine years The Black Crowes went through many lineup changes and released six studio albums. In 1997, The Black Crowes headlined the secondFurthur Festival,which had been spawned in the summer of 1996 by the remaining members ofthe Grateful DeadfollowingJerry Garcia's death in August 1995. In early 2002, it was announced that drummerSteve Gormanwould be leaving the band and that The Black Crowes would be taking a break.
Solo career; with New Earth Mud
editHis first solo recording, "The Red Road", appeared on the soundtrack to the 2002 filmThe Banger Sisters,confirming the singer's turn into softer material. A full-length debut,New Earth Mud,appeared in October and garnered positive critical reviews. Written and produced withPaul Staceyand featuring collaborations with ex-CrowesMarc FordandEddie Harsch,the album allowed Robinson to hit the road as a headlining act. The band itself became known as New Earth Mud and earned a reputation for playing lengthy, jam-oriented sets across the United States.
New Earth Mud toured well into 2003, both headlining and sharing the bill with such acts asElvis Costello,Gov't MuleandThe String Cheese Incident.Robinson headed into the studio after the tour concluded, again with Paul Stacey as co-songwriter and producer. The result wasThis Magnificent Distance,released in June 2004. The album was a bigger commercial success than its predecessor and showcased more of a "full band" sound.
Robinson parted ways with Paul Stacey and the rest of his band in early 2004, the reason for which remains unknown. In a very cryptic post on his official message board, Robinson said farewell to his original line-up and welcomed a new one, which featured ex-Crowes member Audley Freed on guitar and George Reiff on bass. The band toured in support ofThis Magnificent Distancethrough the Summer of 2004. Another tour was planned for the fall of 2004 but was abruptly and inexplicably scrapped. Robinson instead remained out of the public eye aside from three appearances withPhil Lesh and Friendsat theWarfield Theatrein San Francisco (December 2004).
Robinson did not perform publicly again until his February 2005 performance with his brother Rich at theConsumer Electronics ShowinLas Vegas(a private event for people who work in the field of consumer electronics). He then joined Phil Lesh again for theMardi Gras Spectacularconcerts in San Francisco at the end of February, which also featured members ofRailroad Earth,ParticleandGalacticas well as former members of theJerry Garcia Band.
- New Earth Mud band members
- Chris Robinson – vocals, guitar, harmonica (2002–04)
- Paul Stacey– lead guitar, piano, vocals (2002–04)
- Jeremy Stacey– drums, percussion (2002–04)
- George Reiff – bass, vocals (2002–04)
- George Laks – keyboards, (2002–04)
- Audley Freed– lead guitar (2004)
- Steve DiStanislao– drums, percussion, vocals (2004)
- Rob Barraco– keyboards, vocals (2004)
The Black Crowes reunion
editIn early 2005, it was announced that The Black Crowes would be reuniting for a run at New York'sHammerstein Ballroom.This lineup included former membersSven PipienandMarc Ford.This quickly turned into a full-fledged tour. Although initially not part of the reunion, Steve Gorman did return to the band in early May. In July 2007, during the Black Crowes Summer Tour, the live albumBrothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxywas released.
The album was composed of tracks culled from Chris and Rich Robinson's three night set at the Roxy, and featured Black Crowes songs (Horsehead, Cursed Diamond, Thorn In My Pride), solo material from both brothers (Someday Past the Sunset, Forgiven Song), covers from some of their favorite artists (Over the Hill, Roll Um Easy, Driving Wheel, Forever Young), and new material (Magic Rooster Blues, Cold Boy Smile). A new album,Warpaint,was released on March 4, 2008.
On August 31, 2009, the Black Crowes released another album of original material, recorded in front of a live audience over several shows atLevon Helm's barn in New York,Before the Frost...Until the Freeze.Each CD purchase ofBefore the Frost...was accompanied by a download code to receive the album's companion release,...Until the Freeze.The vinyl version includes all 20 tracks.
In April 2010, it was announced that in celebration of the band's 20th anniversary, they would releaseCroweology,featuring new acoustic recordings of Black Crowes' favorites. The two-disc set would be sold at the price of one as a thank you to fans. In conjunction with the release, the band would also embark on the "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour, which would stretch from August 2010 – December 2010. The majority of the shows saw the band perform two 90 minute sets, the first acoustic, and the second electric. At the end of the tour, it was announced the band would begin a new hiatus of undetermined length.[4]
On January 15, 2015, Rich Robinson announced the final breakup of the band due to a disagreement with his brother Chris Robinson over an alleged proposal regarding ownership of the band.[5][6]In an interview, drummer Steve Gorman indicated that prior to the breakup, the Black Crowes had been discussing a tour.[7]
On the November 11, 2019Howard Stern ShowChris and Rich announced that they were reuniting to tour reprising their first studio album,Shake Your Money Maker.[8]
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
editIn the fall of 2010, the website for theChris Robinson Bandwas launched, fueling speculation that this would be Chris' new project with the advent of the Crowes' hiatus. This was confirmed at the final date of theSay Goodnight to the Bad GuysTour in San Francisco, when stickers advertising the band and the website were passed out promoting April 2011. Eventually, the project was titled theChris Robinson Brotherhood(CRB), and a two-month California tour was launched on March 29, 2011, at Soho inSanta Barbara, Californiaand the group toured California heavily.[9]The Chris Robinson Brotherhood lineup includes Adam MacDougall (ofthe Black Crowes) on keyboards,George Sluppickon drums (George has been replaced by Tony Leone), Mark "Muddy" Dutton (ofBurning Tree) on bass, andNeal Casalon guitar. Casal replacedJonathan Wilson,who was initially announced as a member of the band, but left shortly after.
CRB went intoSunset Studiosto record an album in January 2012. Their first album,Big Moon Ritual,was released on June 5, 2012,[10]with the companion albumThe Magic Doorreleased on September 11, 2012.[11]CRB also released a 7 "of"Blue Suede Shoes"b/wa live version "Girl, I Love You" forRecord Store Dayon April 21, 2012.[12]
As the Crow Flies
editIn 2018, Chris Robinson formed the bandAs the Crow Flies,which performs songs from the Black Crowes catalogue. Robinson said, "I'm not out to redo the Black Crowes or outdo the Black Crowes or anything like that. I just want to sing the music." The band includes former Crowes Audley Freed, Andy Hess and Adam MacDougall, along withMarcus King,and Tony Leone.[13][14]
Production work
editAlthough he dabbled in the field earlier, Robinson began consistently producing other artists' albums in the late-2000s. Although few of the albums produced under his guidance were commercial successes, most received considerable critical acclaim.
- Crossing Bridgesby The Kinsey Report (Capitol, 1993)
- Very Crystal Speed Machineby Thee Hypnotics (Def American, 1994)
- VagabondsbyGary Louris(Rykodisc, 2008)
- Acoustic VagabondsbyGary Louris(Rykodisc, 2008)
- Ready for the FloodbyMark Olson&Gary Louris(Rykodisc, 2009)
- Truth & Salvage Co.byTruth & Salvage Co.(Silver Arrow, 2010)
Other appearances
editRobinson made a cameo appearance (playing anangel) in the final episode of the popular sketch showThe Kids in the Hallin 1994.[15]According toThe Kids in the HallSeason 5 DVD commentary, Robinson met Kate Hudson at a liveThe Kids in the Hallperformance during their 2000 reunion tour. In 2007, Chris Robinson playedWavy Gravy's birthday party in San Francisco under the name Chris Robinson's Wooden Family. The show was a benefit to support an international development organization called theSeva Foundationfounded by Wavy along withRam Dass.[16]
In 2009, Robinson performed inThe People Speak,a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans, based on historianHoward Zinn'sA People's History of the United States.[17]
Personal life
editOn September 8, 1996, he married actressLala Sloatman,niece (by marriage) of musicianFrank Zappa.They were divorced in 1998.
In December 2000, Robinson married actressKate Hudson.Their son, Ryder was born in January 2004. On August 14, 2006, after nearly six years of marriage, Hudson's publicist announced their separation. On November 17, 2006, Robinson filed divorce papers, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking joint custody of their son. Divorce was granted on October 22, 2007, with Robinson being granted joint custody.[18]
In 2009, Robinson married Allison Bridges. Their daughter was born in December 2009.[19]In 2015 he moved to Marin County, California, where he still resides.[20]He and Bridges divorced in October 2018.
In January 2020, Robinson married Camille Johnson in Marin County.
Discography
edit- New Earth Mud(Redline Records, 2002)
- Bootleg(Promotional Release, 2003)
- This Magnificent Distance(Vector Recordings, 2004)
- Live at Bonnaroo(Live Bonnaroo Records, 2004)
- Brothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxy(Eagle Records, 2007) (Recorded Live at The Roxy Theatre Los Angeles, Ca 2006.)
References
edit- ^"The Black Crowes Facts, information, pictures – Encyclopedia articles about The Black Crowes".RetrievedJanuary 11,2014.
- ^Interview with Rich and Chris Robinson.Archive.today
- ^Dunn, Jancee (1996-10-31). Interview with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.Rolling Stone.Retrieved on 2008-11-11.
- ^The Black CrowesArchivedOctober 6, 2012, at theWayback Machineblackcrowes. Retrieved March 2011
- ^"The Black Crowes Are No More, Says Guitarist Rich Robinson - Blabbermouth.net".BLABBERMOUTH.NET.January 15, 2015.
- ^"Rich Robinson Announces The Black Crowes Have Broken Up".JamBase.January 15, 2015.
- ^"Steve Gorman Addresses Black Crowes Breakup".Jam Bands. January 16, 2015.RetrievedMay 2,2015.
- ^"The Black Crowes Announce Their Reunion on the Howard Stern Show".YouTube.November 11, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on December 11, 2021.
- ^"Chris Robinson: Greetings from the Outer South".Jambands.July 30, 2014.RetrievedAugust 6,2024.
- ^"Chris Robinson Reveals Post Crowes Project".Planet Rock.RetrievedAugust 25,2012.
- ^"Chris Robinson Unveils Second Album In Six Months".Planet Rock.Planet Rock.RetrievedAugust 25,2012.
- ^"Chris Robinson Brotherhood, The – Blue Suede Shoes / Girl I Love You".discogs.RetrievedAugust 25,2012.
- ^"Chris Robinson announces new band As the Crow Flies, shares tour dates".Consequence of Sound.January 9, 2018.RetrievedDecember 4,2018.
- ^"As the Crow Flies Kicks Off Tour with Hit-heavy Show".Ultimate Classic Rock.April 18, 2018.RetrievedDecember 4,2018.
- ^The Kids In The Hall Episode #5.21.ArchivedDecember 8, 2012, at theWayback MachineInternet Movie Database
- ^Jackson, Blair.Mickey Hart Performs At Seva Benefit (Wavy Gravy's 71st Birthday) dead.net. Retrieved March 2011ArchivedOctober 21, 2016, at theWayback Machine
- ^"Credits".thepeoplespeak.Archived fromthe originalon July 13, 2010.RetrievedMarch 30,2014.
- ^Lee, Ken (October 25, 2007)."Kate Hudson, Chris Robinson Divorce Finalized".People.Archived fromthe originalon March 8, 2016.RetrievedFebruary 24,2019.
- ^Laudadio, Marisa (December 30, 2009)."Black Crowes Singer Chris Robinson Welcomes a Daughter".People.Archived fromthe originalon March 8, 2016.RetrievedFebruary 24,2019.
- ^"Chris Robinson Finds a Home in Marin - Marin Magazine - February 2019 - Marin County, California".marinmagazine.January 10, 2019.RetrievedMarch 13,2019.
External links
edit