Charlie Robison, a country music singer-songwriter, passed away on Sunday. He was 59.
Representatives for Robison confirmed his death to Fox News Digital.
According to the Associated Press, the musician died at a hospital in San Antonio after experiencing heart arrest and other issues.
In the 1980s, he began his career with his solo debut, “Bandera,” named for the Texas Hill Country hamlet where his family maintained a ranch for eight generations.
Robyn Ludwick, Robison’s sister, paid homage to Charlie on social media on Sunday, saying her heart had been “broken in the deepest most irreparable way.”
“My big brother Charlie passed away in the arms of his loved ones,” she wrote on Facebook. “Please play some Charlie Robison on Repeat. He would want it that way.”
The Texas native grew up playing music with his brother Bruce, and released nine albums throughout his career.
Following his 1995 album, Robison attempted to go more mainstream, but as he wrote on his website, didn’t want to be “boxed-in” with his music or persona.
“After a brief deal with a Nashville major label that ended because of his refusal to be artistically boxed-in and packaged as the latest hunky hat act, he signed with Sony Music’s Lucky Dog label and released two studio albums,” Charlie’s bio said.
“I Want You Bad,” from his 2001 album “Step Right Up,” was his sole Top 40 country hit.
Robison was a judge on USA Network’s “Nashville Star,” a reality television show in which participants live together while competing for a recording contract in the country music industry.
His final album, “High Life,” was published in 2013, and includes a cover rendition of Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece.”
In January 2018, Robison’s team shared an update on his health following a medical procedure on his throat.
“From that surgery he has been dealing with some complications during this routine recovery,” they wrote on Instagram.
“Charlie is continuing to heal and is working with is doctors daily to resolve the issues he is having and get back out on the road. WE appreciate all of the fans, venues and promoters for their patience and support during this time. We will keep everyone in the loop on his progress and recovery.”
He is survived by his wife, Kristen Robison, and four children and stepchildren.
Three of his children were with his first wife, Emily Strayer, a founding member of the country band The Chicks.
