Charlie Robison Is Retiring Due to Medical Complications That Took Away His Voice
Texas singer-songwriter Charlie Robison has announced his retirement from music. The artist says medical complications are to blame.
Robison shared the news of his official retirement on Monday evening (Sept. 24), via social media. The singer explains that he underwent a surgery at the beginning of 2018 that, "because of complications, left me with the permanent inability to sing;" an earlier Instagram post from Robison's team reveals that the surgery was on his throat, and took place on Jan. 3. Without his voice, and "with a very heavy heart," Robison says, he is "officially retiring from the stage and studio."
"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, 's--t happens,'" Robison continues. "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."
A Houston native, Robison moved to Austin in the late 1980s after an injury ended his football career. After playing in a number of bands, Robison released a solo album, Bandera, in 1996; he then signed with Sony for 1998's Life of the Party and a 2000 live album with Jack Ingram and his brother, Bruce Robison. Robison released a total of nine albums throughout his career.
Robison served as a judge on the first season of the TV singing competition Nashville Star in 2003; that season, Buddy Jewell won, while Miranda Lambert placed third. In 2012, Kenny Chesney recorded Robison's song "El Cerrito Place," earning a Top 10 single.
Robison is a part-owner of the Alamo Ice House in San Antonio, Texas. He opened the venue with former MLB Player Brooks Kieschnick in 2014. In his retirement announcement, Robison urges his fans to "keep on supporting this thing we call Texas / Red Dirt."
"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," he concludes. "Love each and every one of y’all."