Career Timeline of Chris Robinson (singer): Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chris Robinson (singer) made an impact.

Chris Robinson is an American musician best known as the lead singer and a founding member of the rock band The Black Crowes, formed in 1984 with his brother Rich Robinson. He's noted for his high tenor vocal range and bluesy style. Aside from his work with the Black Crowes, where he and his brother were the only consistent members, Chris also fronted the Chris Robinson Brotherhood from 2011 to 2019. The Brotherhood ceased operations following the death of guitarist Neal Casal and the reformation of The Black Crowes.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1984: Founding of The Black Crowes

In 1984, Chris Robinson and his brother Rich Robinson founded the rock band The Black Crowes, initially named Mr. Crowe's Garden.

1989: Signing with Def American and Debut Album Release

In 1989, Mr. Crowe's Garden changed their name to The Black Crowes and were signed to Rick Rubin's label Def American. They subsequently released their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker.

2002: Solo Recording and Debut Album

In 2002, Chris Robinson's first solo recording, "The Red Road", was featured on the soundtrack to the film The Banger Sisters. He then released his full-length debut album, New Earth Mud, in October.

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2002: Steve Gorman Leaves and Band Hiatus

In early 2002, it was announced that drummer Steve Gorman would be leaving the band, and The Black Crowes would be taking a break.

June 2004: Release of 'This Magnificent Distance'

In June 2004, Chris Robinson released his album, This Magnificent Distance, which proved to be a commercial success and featured a fuller band sound.

2005: The Black Crowes Reunion

In early 2005, The Black Crowes announced a reunion for a run at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, which quickly turned into a full-fledged tour.

July 2007: Release of Brothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxy

In July 2007, during The Black Crowes Summer Tour, the live album Brothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxy was released.

2007: Performance at Wavy Gravy's Birthday Party

In 2007, Chris Robinson, under the name Chris Robinson's Wooden Family, played at Wavy Gravy's birthday party in San Francisco to benefit the Seva Foundation.

March 4, 2008: Release of Warpaint

On March 4, 2008, The Black Crowes released a new album titled Warpaint.

August 31, 2009: Release of Before the Frost...Until the Freeze

On August 31, 2009, the Black Crowes released the album Before the Frost...Until the Freeze, recorded live at Levon Helm's barn in New York. A download code for the companion album, ...Until the Freeze, was included with each CD purchase.

April 2010: Announcement of Croweology and "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" Tour

In April 2010, The Black Crowes announced the release of Croweology, a collection of new acoustic recordings, and the "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

December 2010: End of "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" Tour and Hiatus Announcement

In December 2010, The Black Crowes concluded the "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour and announced a new hiatus of undetermined length.

2010: Chris Robinson Band Website Launch

In the fall of 2010, the website for the Chris Robinson Band was launched, hinting at Chris Robinson's new project during The Black Crowes' hiatus.

April 2011: CRB Project Revealed

In April 2011 stickers promoting the Chris Robinson Brotherhood (CRB) were distributed, confirming that it would be Chris' new project

2011: Formation of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood

In 2011, Chris Robinson formed the Chris Robinson Brotherhood (CRB), where he served as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist. The band toured and recorded until 2019.

January 2012: Recording an Album

In January 2012, CRB entered Sunset Studios to record an album.

January 15, 2015: Final Breakup of The Black Crowes

On January 15, 2015, Rich Robinson announced the final breakup of The Black Crowes due to a disagreement with Chris Robinson.

2018: Formation of As the Crow Flies

In 2018, Chris Robinson formed the band As the Crow Flies, which performs songs from the Black Crowes catalogue.

November 11, 2019: Reunion Announcement on Howard Stern Show

On November 11, 2019, Chris and Rich Robinson announced on the Howard Stern Show that they were reuniting to tour and perform their first studio album, Shake Your Money Maker.