THE WESTERNER: "It's been an amazing ride": Texas country singer Charlie Robison retires due to surgery problems

Texas Red Dirt country scene mainstay Charlie Robison announced on Monday via social media that he has called it a career after complications from a surgery earlier this year damaged his vocal cords. Robison, just 54 years old, has been a constant touring act on the Lone Star circuit and beyond for decades. His debut solo album titled "Bandera" was released in 1996. His latest album, "High Life," came out in 2013. One of his most enduring hits, covered by many in his scene, was 1998's "My Hometown" which name-checks his native Houston and is an autobiography up to that point in his career. Earlier this year in April his official Instagram page revealed that Robison had serious throat surgery. He had been playing shows regularly up until at least March. On his official Facebook page where he communicates with over 86,000 fans, Robison released a statement. His trademark rugged personality seems to still be in place...MORE

"Hey amigos, Charlie here. I'm sure you've all been wondering where I've been. Well, at the beginning of this year I underwent a surgical procedure that because of complications left me with the permanent inability to sing. Therefore,with a very heavy heart I am officially retiring from the the stage and studio." Robison added, "Gonna keep it short but just wanted y'all to hear it from me. It's been an amazing ride and I cannot tell you all what the last 25 years has meant to me. I was looking forward to another 25 but as they say "(expletive) happens". I thank you all for everything you've given me and I hope I was able to give you a fraction of the happiness you gave me. It was a hell of a ride but as they say all good things must end. Keep on supporting this thing we call Texas/Red Dirt and hopefully we'll all get to have a cocktail or two and talk about the good ol' days. Until then, Buenos Noches. It's been fun. Love each and every one of y'all. C."