History of Chris Robinson (singer) in Timeline

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1959: Stan Robinson's Billboard Hit

In 1959, Chris Robinson's father, Stanley "Stan" Robinson, had a minor Billboard charted record called "Boom-A-Dip-Dip".

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December 20, 1966: Chris Robinson's Birth

On December 20, 1966, Christopher Mark Robinson was born. He is an American musician known as the founder of The Black Crowes.

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.

May 1991: Arrest for Assault and Disturbing the Peace

In May 1991, Chris Robinson was arrested for assault and disturbing the peace after spitting at or on a female customer at a 7-Eleven convenience store. He pleaded no contest six months later.

1994: Cameo Appearance in The Kids in the Hall

In 1994, Chris Robinson made a cameo appearance as an angel in the final episode of the sketch show The Kids in the Hall.

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August 1995: Death of Jerry Garcia

In August 1995, Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead passed away.

September 8, 1996: Marriage to Lala Sloatman

On September 8, 1996, Chris Robinson married actress Lala Sloatman, niece of musician Frank Zappa.

1996: Furthur Festival Spawned

In the summer of 1996, the Furthur Festival was created by the remaining members of the Grateful Dead after the death of Jerry Garcia in August 1995.

1997: Headlining Furthur Festival

In 1997, The Black Crowes headlined the second Furthur Festival.

1998: Divorce from Lala Sloatman

In 1998, Chris Robinson and Lala Sloatman divorced.

December 2000: Marriage to Kate Hudson

In December 2000, Chris Robinson married actress Kate Hudson.

2000: Meeting Kate Hudson

In 2000, Chris Robinson met Kate Hudson at a live performance of The Kids in the Hall during their reunion tour.

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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.

2003: New Earth Mud Tour

In 2003, New Earth Mud toured extensively, headlining and sharing bills with acts such as Elvis Costello, Gov't Mule, and The String Cheese Incident.

January 2004: Birth of Son Ryder

In January 2004, Chris Robinson and Kate Hudson's son, Ryder, was born.

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.

December 2004: Performances with Phil Lesh and Friends

In December 2004, Chris Robinson made three appearances with Phil Lesh and Friends at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco.

February 2005: Performance at Consumer Electronics Show and Mardi Gras Spectacular

In February 2005, Chris Robinson performed with his brother Rich at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and he also joined Phil Lesh for the Mardi Gras Spectacular concerts in San Francisco.

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.

August 14, 2006: Separation from Kate Hudson

On August 14, 2006, it was announced that Chris Robinson and Kate Hudson were separating after nearly six years of marriage.

November 17, 2006: Filing for Divorce

On November 17, 2006, Chris Robinson filed divorce papers from Kate Hudson, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking joint custody of their son.

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.

October 22, 2007: Divorce Granted

On October 22, 2007, Chris Robinson's divorce from Kate Hudson was finalized, with Robinson being granted joint custody of their son.

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.

December 2009: Birth of Daughter

In December 2009, Chris Robinson and Allison Bridges' daughter was born.

2009: Appearance in The People Speak

In 2009, Chris Robinson appeared in The People Speak, a documentary film based on Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.

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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.

August 2010: "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" Tour Start

In August 2010, The Black Crowes began the "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour, featuring both acoustic and electric sets.

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.

March 29, 2011: Chris Robinson Brotherhood California Tour Launch

On March 29, 2011, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood (CRB) launched a two-month California tour, starting at Soho in Santa Barbara, California.

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.

April 21, 2012: Record Store Day Release

On April 21, 2012, CRB released a 7" of "Blue Suede Shoes" b/w a live version of "Girl, I Love You" for Record Store Day.

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June 5, 2012: Release of Big Moon Ritual

On June 5, 2012, CRB released their first album, Big Moon Ritual.

September 11, 2012: Release of The Magic Door

On September 11, 2012, CRB released their companion album, The Magic Door.

September 2013: Death of Stanley Robinson

In September 2013, Chris Robinson's father, Stanley "Stan" Robinson, passed away.

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.

2015: Move to Marin County, California

In 2015, Chris Robinson moved to Marin County, California, where he resided for the next five years.

October 2018: Divorce from Allison Bridges

In October 2018, Chris Robinson and Allison Bridges divorced.

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.