Chris Robinson
Encyclopedia
Christopher Mark "Chris" Robinson (born December 20, 1966) is the singer of the rock and roll
band The Black Crowes
and brother of its guitarist Rich Robinson
.
, United States
. Along with his brother Rich, Robinson formed Mr. Crowe's Garden in the 1980s, having been heavily influenced by The Faces and The Rolling Stones
. They played a variety of clubs in and around Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Wofford College
in Spartanburg, S.C. - while some fellow students had posters of bikini girls lying on Porsches, Robinson decorated his dorm with a Tom Waits
poster and a Dream Syndicate
poster: "...even at 18, I was into music."
's label Def American, and released their debut album Shake Your Money Maker. With the success of their album they went out on tour to support it. They played several dates supporting ZZ Top
. During this tour Chris was criticized for talking to the audience about his opposition to corporate sponsorship. This led to ZZ Top firing The Black Crowes from the tour.
In May 1991, Chris Robinson spat at or on a female customer at a 7-11 store. Robinson was arrested for assault and disturbing the peace, and pled 'no contest'
six months later. In the media, Robinson would openly discuss his use of marijuana
.
Over the next nine years The Black Crowes went through many lineup changes and released six studio albums. In 1997, The Black Crowes headlined the second Furthur Festival, which had been spawned in the summer of 1996 by the remaining members of the Grateful Dead following Jerry Garcia's death in August 1995. In early 2002 it was announced that drummer Steve Gorman
would be leaving the band and that The Black Crowes would be taking a break.
film The Banger Sisters
, confirming the singer's turn into softer material. A full-length debut, New Earth Mud
, appeared in October and garnered very positive critical reviews. Written and produced with Paul Stacey
and featuring collaborations with ex-Crowes Marc Ford
and Eddie Harsch
, the album allowed Robinson to hit the road as a headlining act. The band itself became known as New Earth Mud and became known for playing remarkably inspired sets across the United States.
New Earth Mud toured well into 2003, not only as a headliner but sharing the bill with such acts as Elvis Costello
, Gov't Mule
and The String Cheese Incident. During the later portion of the tour, the band introduced several new songs into their set and built up quite an anticipation for their second release. Robinson headed into the studio after the tour concluded, again with Paul Stacey as co-songwriter and producer. The end result was This Magnificent Distance
, released in June 2004. The album was a bigger success than its predecessor and showcased more of a "full band" sound.
Robinson parted ways with Paul Stacey and the rest of his band in early 2004, the reason for which remains unknown. In a very cryptic post on his official message board, Robinson said farewell to his original line-up and welcomed a new one, which featured ex-Crowes member Audley Freed on guitar and studio virtuoso George Reiff on bass. The band toured in support of This Magnificent Distance through the Summer of 2004, again gaining more critical and commercial attention for themselves. Another tour was planned for the fall of 2004 but was suddenly and inexplicably scrapped. Robinson instead remained out of the public eye aside from three appearances with Phil Lesh and Friends at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco (December 2004).
Robinson didn't perform publicly again until his February 2005 performance with his brother Rich at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (a private event for people who work in consumer electronics). He then joined Phil Lesh again for the Mardi Gras Spectacular concerts in San Francisco at the end of February, which also featured members of Railroad Earth, Particle and Galactic as well as former members of the Jerry Garcia Band.
. This lineup included former members Sven Pipien
and Marc Ford
. This quickly turned into a full-fledged tour. Although initially not there for the reunion Steve Gorman did return to the band in early May. In July 2007, during the Black Crowes Summer Tour, the live album Brothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxy
was released.
The album was composed of tracks culled from Chris and Rich Robinson's three night set at the Roxy, and featured Black Crowes songs (Horsehead, Cursed Diamond, Thorn In My Pride), solo material from both brothers (Someday Past the Sunset, Forgiven Song), covers from some of their favorite artists (Over the Hill, Roll Um Easy, Driving Wheel, Forever Young), and new Black Crowes material (Magic Rooster Blues, Cold Boy Smile). A new album, Warpaint, was released on March 4, 2008.
On August 31, 2009, the Black Crowes released their eighth studio album, Before the Frost... Each CD purchase is accompanied by a download code to receive the album's companion release, ...Until the Freeze, composed of session outtakes. The vinyl version includes all twenty tracks.
In April 2010, it was announced that in celebration of the band's 20th anniversary, they would release Croweology
, featuring new acoustic recordings of Black Crowes' favorites. The two disc set would be sold at the price of one disc as a thank you to fans. In conjunction with the release, the band would also embark on the "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour, which would stretch from August 2010-December 2010. The majority of the shows saw the band perform two 90 minute sets, the first acoustic, and the second electric. At the end of the tour, it was announced the band would begin a new hiatus of undetermined length.
, California. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood lineup includes Adam MacDougall (of the Black Crowes
) on keyboards, George Sluppick
on drums, Mark "Muddy" Dutton (of Burning Tree) on Bass, and Neal Casal
on guitar. Casal replaced Jonathan Wilson
, who was initially announced as a member of the band, but left shortly after.
, the niece of musician Frank Zappa
. They were divorced in 1998.
In December 2000, Chris Robinson married actress Kate Hudson
. On August 14, 2006, after nearly six years of marriage, Hudson's publicist announced their separation. On November 17, 2006, Robinson filed divorce papers, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking joint custody of their son, Ryder Russell Robinson (born 7 January 2004). Divorce was granted on October 22, 2007 with Chris being granted joint custody of Ryder.
In 2009, Robinson married Allison Bridges. She delivered their daughter, Cheyenne Genevieve Robinson, weighing 6 lbs., 3 oz, on December 26, 2009.
) in the final episode of the popular sketch show The Kids in the Hall
in 1994. According to The Kids in the Hall Season 5 DVD commentary, Robinson met Kate Hudson at a live The Kids in the Hall performance during their 2000 reunion tour. In 2007, Chris Robinson played Wavy Gravy
's birthday party in San Francisco under the name Chris Robinson's Wooden Family. The show was a benefit to support an international development organization called the Seva Foundation
founded by Wavy along with Ram Dass
.
In 2009, Robinson performed in The People Speak
a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans, based on historian Howard Zinn
's "A People's History of the United States
”.
On August 20, 2011 Chris Robinson performed with Jackie Greene and Bob Weir at the Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado.
Paul Stacey
- lead guitar, piano, vocals (2002–2004)
Jeremy Stacey
- drums, percussion (2002–2004)
George Reiff - bass, vocals (2002–2004)
George Laks - keyboards, (2002–2004)
Audley Freed
- lead guitar (2004)
Steve DiStanislao - drums, percussion, vocals (2004)
Rob Barraco
- keyboards, vocals (2004)
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
band The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes are an American rock band formed in 1989. Their discography includes nine studio albums, four live albums and several charting singles. The band was signed to Def American Recordings in 1989 by producer George Drakoulias and released their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, the...
and brother of its guitarist Rich Robinson
Rich Robinson
Rich Robinson is an American musician and founding member of the rock and roll band The Black Crowes. Along with older brother Chris Robinson, Rich formed the band in 1984 while the two were in high school...
.
Early years
Robinson was born in Marietta, GeorgiaMarietta, Georgia
Marietta is a city located in central Cobb County, Georgia, United States, and is its county seat.As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 56,579, making it one of metro Atlanta's largest suburbs...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Along with his brother Rich, Robinson formed Mr. Crowe's Garden in the 1980s, having been heavily influenced by The Faces and The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
. They played a variety of clubs in and around Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Wofford College
Wofford College
Established in 1854 and related to the United Methodist Church, Wofford College is an independent, Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts college of 1,525 students located in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States. The historic campus is recognized as a national arboretum and features “The...
in Spartanburg, S.C. - while some fellow students had posters of bikini girls lying on Porsches, Robinson decorated his dorm with a Tom Waits
Tom Waits
Thomas Alan "Tom" Waits is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."...
poster and a Dream Syndicate
Dream Syndicate
The Dream Syndicate was an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California active from 1981 to 1989. The band was associated with the Paisley Underground music movement.-History:...
poster: "...even at 18, I was into music."
Life with The Crowes
In 1989 Mr. Crowe's Garden changed their name to The Black Crowes. They were signed to Rick RubinRick Rubin
Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin is an American record producer and the co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, Rubin was the co-founder of Def Jam Records and also established American Recordings...
's label Def American, and released their debut album Shake Your Money Maker. With the success of their album they went out on tour to support it. They played several dates supporting ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
. During this tour Chris was criticized for talking to the audience about his opposition to corporate sponsorship. This led to ZZ Top firing The Black Crowes from the tour.
In May 1991, Chris Robinson spat at or on a female customer at a 7-11 store. Robinson was arrested for assault and disturbing the peace, and pled 'no contest'
Nolo contendere
is a legal term that comes from the Latin for "I do not wish to contend." It is also referred to as a plea of no contest.In criminal trials, and in some common law jurisdictions, it is a plea where the defendant neither admits nor disputes a charge, serving as an alternative to a pleading of...
six months later. In the media, Robinson would openly discuss his use of marijuana
Cannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
.
Over the next nine years The Black Crowes went through many lineup changes and released six studio albums. In 1997, The Black Crowes headlined the second Furthur Festival, which had been spawned in the summer of 1996 by the remaining members of the Grateful Dead following Jerry Garcia's death in August 1995. In early 2002 it was announced that drummer Steve Gorman
Steve Gorman
Steve Gorman is a musician best known as the drummer of the American hard rock band The Black Crowes. He also spent some time as the drummer for British rock band Stereophonics.- Early career :...
would be leaving the band and that The Black Crowes would be taking a break.
Going solo
Robinson's first solo recording, "The Red Road," appeared on the soundtrack to the 2002 Goldie HawnGoldie Hawn
Goldie Jeanne Hawn is an American actress, film director, producer, and occasional singer. Hawn is known for her roles in Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Private Benjamin, Foul Play, Overboard, Bird on a Wire, Death Becomes Her, The First Wives Club, and Cactus Flower, for which she won the 1969...
film The Banger Sisters
The Banger Sisters
The Banger Sisters is a 2002 American comedy film produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures about the reunion of two middle-aged women who used to be friends and groupies when they were young. The movie starred Goldie Hawn, Susan Sarandon and Geoffrey Rush...
, confirming the singer's turn into softer material. A full-length debut, New Earth Mud
New Earth Mud
New Earth Mud is the solo debut album of Chris Robinson. It was released on 22 October 2002. Initial pressings came with a bonus DVD, including a documentary on the making of the disc plus several acoustic live performances.-Track listing:...
, appeared in October and garnered very positive critical reviews. Written and produced with Paul Stacey
Paul Stacey
Paul Stacey is a British guitarist and producer, best known for his work with Oasis and The Black Crowes.Paul Stacey's early work included the 1990s band, The Lemon Trees and Denzil....
and featuring collaborations with ex-Crowes Marc Ford
Marc Ford
Marc Ford , is an American blues-rock guitarist. He's a former lead guitarist of the rock and roll jam band The Black Crowes and the leader of his own bands .-Burning Tree:Ford began his career with the blues-rock outfit Burning...
and Eddie Harsch
Eddie Harsch
Eddie Harsch is a Canadian-American keyboardist and current member of Detroit-based jam band Bulldog. Previously, he was The Black Crowes' keyboardist from 1991 to 2006. Harsch first joined Bulldog during The Black Crowes' hiatus, which lasted from early 2002 to early 2005...
, the album allowed Robinson to hit the road as a headlining act. The band itself became known as New Earth Mud and became known for playing remarkably inspired sets across the United States.
New Earth Mud toured well into 2003, not only as a headliner but sharing the bill with such acts as Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
, Gov't Mule
Gov't Mule
Gov't Mule is a Southern rock jam band formed in 1994 as an Allman Brothers Band side project by Warren Haynes and Allen Woody.The band released their debut album Gov't Mule in 1995...
and The String Cheese Incident. During the later portion of the tour, the band introduced several new songs into their set and built up quite an anticipation for their second release. Robinson headed into the studio after the tour concluded, again with Paul Stacey as co-songwriter and producer. The end result was This Magnificent Distance
This Magnificent Distance
This Magnificent Distance is Chris Robinson's second solo album, released on June 29, 2004.This Magnificent Distance is a work that draws on the vast panorama of Americana music--rock, blues, folk, country, soul and elements of jazz--and Robinson personalizes it with compelling vocals,...
, released in June 2004. The album was a bigger success than its predecessor and showcased more of a "full band" sound.
Robinson parted ways with Paul Stacey and the rest of his band in early 2004, the reason for which remains unknown. In a very cryptic post on his official message board, Robinson said farewell to his original line-up and welcomed a new one, which featured ex-Crowes member Audley Freed on guitar and studio virtuoso George Reiff on bass. The band toured in support of This Magnificent Distance through the Summer of 2004, again gaining more critical and commercial attention for themselves. Another tour was planned for the fall of 2004 but was suddenly and inexplicably scrapped. Robinson instead remained out of the public eye aside from three appearances with Phil Lesh and Friends at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco (December 2004).
Reunion
In early 2005 it was announced that The Black Crowes would be reuniting for a run at New York's Hammerstein BallroomHammerstein Ballroom
The Hammerstein Ballroom is a two-tiered, 12,000 square feet ballroom located within the Manhattan Center Studios on 311 West 34th Street in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States of America. It is known for its elegant appearance and excellent acoustical design...
. This lineup included former members Sven Pipien
Sven Pipien
Sven Pipien is a musician best known as the bassist of the hard rock band The Black Crowes. He had previously played bass with Atlanta-based Mary My Hope, who released one album on Silvertone Records....
and Marc Ford
Marc Ford
Marc Ford , is an American blues-rock guitarist. He's a former lead guitarist of the rock and roll jam band The Black Crowes and the leader of his own bands .-Burning Tree:Ford began his career with the blues-rock outfit Burning...
. This quickly turned into a full-fledged tour. Although initially not there for the reunion Steve Gorman did return to the band in early May. In July 2007, during the Black Crowes Summer Tour, the live album Brothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxy
Brothers of a Feather: Live at the Roxy
Brothers Of A Feather: Live At The Roxy is a live album by Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes. It was released on July 10, 2007, and was later followed by a DVD release with extra tracks in September, 2007. The album features two new songs, some old Black Crowes songs, as well as some covers...
was released.
The album was composed of tracks culled from Chris and Rich Robinson's three night set at the Roxy, and featured Black Crowes songs (Horsehead, Cursed Diamond, Thorn In My Pride), solo material from both brothers (Someday Past the Sunset, Forgiven Song), covers from some of their favorite artists (Over the Hill, Roll Um Easy, Driving Wheel, Forever Young), and new Black Crowes material (Magic Rooster Blues, Cold Boy Smile). A new album, Warpaint, was released on March 4, 2008.
On August 31, 2009, the Black Crowes released their eighth studio album, Before the Frost... Each CD purchase is accompanied by a download code to receive the album's companion release, ...Until the Freeze, composed of session outtakes. The vinyl version includes all twenty tracks.
In April 2010, it was announced that in celebration of the band's 20th anniversary, they would release Croweology
Croweology
Croweology is an acoustic-based album by rock band The Black Crowes, released on August 3, 2010. The set includes twenty tracks from the band's career, covering their albums from Shake Your Money Maker to Lions in mostly acoustic rearrangements, featuring a cover of the Chris Ethridge and Gram...
, featuring new acoustic recordings of Black Crowes' favorites. The two disc set would be sold at the price of one disc as a thank you to fans. In conjunction with the release, the band would also embark on the "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour, which would stretch from August 2010-December 2010. The majority of the shows saw the band perform two 90 minute sets, the first acoustic, and the second electric. At the end of the tour, it was announced the band would begin a new hiatus of undetermined length.
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
In the fall of 2010, www.chrisrobinsonband.com appeared, fueling speculation that this would be Chris' new project with the advent of the Crowes hiatus. This was confirmed at the final date of the Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys Tour in San Francisco, when stickers advertising the band and the website were passed out promoting April 2011. Eventually, the project was titled the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and a two months California tour was launched on March 29, 2011 in Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean...
, California. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood lineup includes Adam MacDougall (of the Black Crowes
The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes are an American rock band formed in 1989. Their discography includes nine studio albums, four live albums and several charting singles. The band was signed to Def American Recordings in 1989 by producer George Drakoulias and released their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, the...
) on keyboards, George Sluppick
George Sluppick
George Peter Sluppick is an American touring drummer with more than 35 recording credits, best known for his association with bands such as The City Champs, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Sha Na Na, JJ Grey & Mofro and The Chris Robinson Brotherhood.-Life and career:His father "Big George", a...
on drums, Mark "Muddy" Dutton (of Burning Tree) on Bass, and Neal Casal
Neal Casal
Neal Casal is an American songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist and photographer who has maintained an acclaimed solo career as well as playing guitar for The Cardinals.-1990 - 1999:...
on guitar. Casal replaced Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson is the name of:* Jonathan Wilson , American Psychedelic Folk musician* Jonathan Wilson, former member of the band Eisley* Jonathan Wilson , British sports journalist and author...
, who was initially announced as a member of the band, but left shortly after.
Personal life
On 8 September 1996, he married actress Lala SloatmanLala Sloatman
Lala Cassandra Sloatman is an American model, actress and costumer. Her uncle was musician Frank Zappa; her cousins are Ahmet, Diva, Moon and Dweezil Zappa. She is frequently billed by her first name only, and sometimes as Lala Zappa....
, the niece of musician Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
. They were divorced in 1998.
In December 2000, Chris Robinson married actress Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson
Kate Garry Hudson is an American actress. She came to prominence in 2001 after winning a Golden Globe and receiving several nominations, including a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in Almost Famous. She then starred in the hit film How to Lose a Guy in 10...
. On August 14, 2006, after nearly six years of marriage, Hudson's publicist announced their separation. On November 17, 2006, Robinson filed divorce papers, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking joint custody of their son, Ryder Russell Robinson (born 7 January 2004). Divorce was granted on October 22, 2007 with Chris being granted joint custody of Ryder.
In 2009, Robinson married Allison Bridges. She delivered their daughter, Cheyenne Genevieve Robinson, weighing 6 lbs., 3 oz, on December 26, 2009.
Production work
Although he dabbled in the field earlier, Robinson began consistently producing other artists' albums in the late-2000s. Although few of the albums produced under his guidance were commercial successes, most received considerable critical acclaim.- Crossing Bridges by The Kinsey Report (Capitol, 1993)
- Very Crystal Speed Machine by Thee Hypnotics (Def American, 1994)
- VagabondsVagabonds (Gary Louris album)Vagabonds is an album by American singer/songwriter and former Jayhawks member Gary Louris, released in 2008.-Reception:Writing for Allmusic, critic Mark Deming praised the album, writing "Vagabonds manages to sound grand and organic at once, with the arrangements and production capturing a sense...
by Gary LourisGary LourisGary Louris is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter of alternative country and pop music. He was a founding member of the Minneapolis-based band The Jayhawks, and their principal songwriter and vocalist after the departure of Mark Olson; he is often credited with the band's subsequent move from...
(Rykodisc, 2008) - Acoustic VagabondsAcoustic VagabondsAcoustic Vagabonds is an EP by American singer/songwriter and former Jayhawks member Gary Louris featuring six acoustic versions of tracks from his debut album Vagabonds...
by Gary LourisGary LourisGary Louris is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter of alternative country and pop music. He was a founding member of the Minneapolis-based band The Jayhawks, and their principal songwriter and vocalist after the departure of Mark Olson; he is often credited with the band's subsequent move from...
(Rykodisc, 2008) - Ready for the FloodReady for the FloodReady for the Flood is an album by former Jayhawks bandmates Mark Olson and Gary Louris.-Reception:-Track listing:All songs by Mark Olson & Gary Louris#"Rose Society" – 3:12#"Bicycle" – 3:52#"Turn Your Pretty Name Around" – 4:51...
by Mark OlsonMark OlsonMark W. Olson was a member of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve from 2001 to 2006. Filling an unexpired term to end on January 31, 2010, he resigned on June 21, 2006 in order to run the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.-Biography:In 1943, Mark W. Olson was born on March...
& Gary LourisGary LourisGary Louris is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter of alternative country and pop music. He was a founding member of the Minneapolis-based band The Jayhawks, and their principal songwriter and vocalist after the departure of Mark Olson; he is often credited with the band's subsequent move from...
(Rykodisc, 2009) - Truth & Salvage Co. by Truth & Salvage Co.Truth and Salvage Co.Truth & Salvage Co. are a six-piece roots rock/Americana band from Los Angeles, California. The band formed in late 2005 when members from Scrappy Hamilton and Old Pike, two simultaneously-performing Los Angeles acts, merged and began performing under their current moniker...
(Silver Arrow, 2010)
Other appearances
Robinson made a cameo appearance (playing an angelAngel
Angels are mythical beings often depicted as messengers of God in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles along with the Quran. The English word angel is derived from the Greek ἄγγελος, a translation of in the Hebrew Bible ; a similar term, ملائكة , is used in the Qur'an...
) in the final episode of the popular sketch show The Kids in the Hall
The Kids in the Hall
The Kids in the Hall is a Canadian sketch comedy group formed in 1984, consisting of comedians Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson. Their eponymous television show ran from 1988 to 1994 on CBC in Canada, and 1989 to 1995 on CBS and HBO in the United States...
in 1994. According to The Kids in the Hall Season 5 DVD commentary, Robinson met Kate Hudson at a live The Kids in the Hall performance during their 2000 reunion tour. In 2007, Chris Robinson played Wavy Gravy
Wavy Gravy
Wavy Gravy is an American entertainer and activist for peace, best known for his hippie appearance, personality and beliefs. His moniker...
's birthday party in San Francisco under the name Chris Robinson's Wooden Family. The show was a benefit to support an international development organization called the Seva Foundation
Seva Foundation
Seva Foundation is an international health organization based in Berkeley, California, that was founded in 1978 by public health expert Dr. Larry Brilliant. Seva is best known for their work restoring eyesight to nearly 3 million blind people suffering from cataract blindness in places like Tibet,...
founded by Wavy along with Ram Dass
Ram Dass
Ram Dass is an American contemporary spiritual teacher and the author of the seminal 1971 book Be Here Now. He is known for his personal and professional associations with Timothy Leary at Harvard University in the early 1960s, for his travels to India and his relationship with the Hindu guru Neem...
.
In 2009, Robinson performed in The People Speak
The People Speak (film)
The People Speak is a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans. The film gives voice to those who, by insisting on equality and justice, spoke up for social change throughout U.S...
a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans, based on historian Howard Zinn
Howard Zinn
Howard Zinn was an American historian, academic, author, playwright, and social activist. Before and during his tenure as a political science professor at Boston University from 1964-88 he wrote more than 20 books, which included his best-selling and influential A People's History of the United...
's "A People's History of the United States
A People's History of the United States
Chapter 7, "As Long As Grass Grows or Water Runs" discusses 19th century conflicts between the U.S. government and Native Americans and Indian removal, especially during the administrations of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren....
”.
On August 20, 2011 Chris Robinson performed with Jackie Greene and Bob Weir at the Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado.
Discography
- New Earth MudNew Earth MudNew Earth Mud is the solo debut album of Chris Robinson. It was released on 22 October 2002. Initial pressings came with a bonus DVD, including a documentary on the making of the disc plus several acoustic live performances.-Track listing:...
(Redline Records, 2002) - Bootleg (Promotional Release, 2003)
- This Magnificent DistanceThis Magnificent DistanceThis Magnificent Distance is Chris Robinson's second solo album, released on June 29, 2004.This Magnificent Distance is a work that draws on the vast panorama of Americana music--rock, blues, folk, country, soul and elements of jazz--and Robinson personalizes it with compelling vocals,...
(Vector Recordings, 2004) - Live at Bonnaroo (Live Bonnaroo Records, 2004)
- Brothers of a Feather: Live at the RoxyBrothers of a Feather: Live at the RoxyBrothers Of A Feather: Live At The Roxy is a live album by Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes. It was released on July 10, 2007, and was later followed by a DVD release with extra tracks in September, 2007. The album features two new songs, some old Black Crowes songs, as well as some covers...
(Eagle Records, 2007)
New Earth Mud band members
Chris Robinson - vocals, guitar, harmonica (2002–2004)Paul Stacey
Paul Stacey
Paul Stacey is a British guitarist and producer, best known for his work with Oasis and The Black Crowes.Paul Stacey's early work included the 1990s band, The Lemon Trees and Denzil....
- lead guitar, piano, vocals (2002–2004)
Jeremy Stacey
Jeremy Stacey
Jeremy Stacey is a British drummer. His early work included the 1990s band, The Lemon Trees and Denzil...
- drums, percussion (2002–2004)
George Reiff - bass, vocals (2002–2004)
George Laks - keyboards, (2002–2004)
Audley Freed
Audley Freed
thumb|250px|Audley Freed playing with [[New Earth Mud]] on June 28, 2004 at [[Irving Plaza]], [[New York]]Audley Freed is a guitarist. He started his professional career on the Southeastern club and fraternity circuit. He then formed the band Cry of Love, which was signed to Columbia Records and...
- lead guitar (2004)
Steve DiStanislao - drums, percussion, vocals (2004)
Rob Barraco
Rob Barraco
Rob Barraco is a keyboardist who has played with Phil Lesh and Friends, The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Chris Robinson & New Earth Mud, the Zen Tricksters, Red Flannel Hash, and The Dragonflys. He was the permanent keyboardist for Phil Lesh and Friends from 2000 to 2003 and has been in the band's...
- keyboards, vocals (2004)