Charlie Robison, a staple of Texas country music, died on Sept. 10 after suffering cardiac arrest and other complications, according to a statement to the Associated Press from a family representative. He was 59.
The news comes five years after Robison announced his retirement due to complications from a surgical procedure.
"With a very heavy heart I am officially retiring from the the stage and studio," Robison wrote at the time. "It was a hell of a ride but as they say all good things must end."
Born in Houston and raised in Bandera, Texas, Robison began performing in the Texas music scene in the late 1980s. In 1996, he released his debut solo album Bandera, which he followed up with 1998's Life of the Party, featuring the hit "My Hometown." Robison would go on to release 2001's Step Right Up, 2004's Good Times, which featured the Keith Gattis-penned "El Cerrito Place," 2009's Beautiful Day and 2013's High Life.
Robison also released a live album with this brother, fellow singer-songwriter Bruce Robison, and Jack Ingram.
In 2003, Robison served as a judge on the first season of the country music singing competition Nashville Star.
Robison is survived by his wife, Kristen Robison, and four children and stepchildren. Robison shares three children with ex-wife Emily Strayer of The Chicks. Robison and Strayer divorced in 2008.
Memorial services are pending.
