Robert Earl Keen & The Turnpike Troubadours’ Evan Felker Covering Charlie Robison’s “My Hometown” Is Pure Gold

Tipping their hat to the late, great Charlie Robison.

It’s been almost two years since we lost the Texas legend Charlie Robison. Charlie Robison passed away at the age of 59 back on September 10, 2023. His wife Kristen was the one who broke the sad news to the social media world, posting this message on her Facebook page:

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that my husband, Charlie Robison, has passed away today, surrounded by his family and friends. My heart is broken. Please pray for me, our children and our family.”

In 2018, Robison was forced to “call it quits” with his music after he had complications with a surgery that left him unable to tour. Though he had to say goodbye to the studio and the stage, his music (which played a critical role in the Texas country music scene) lives on. Since his passing, many Texas and red dirt musicians often pay tribute to Robison on stage, again, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

One song that has continued to live on is “My Hometown,” the tune featured on Robison’s Life Of The Party record, which was released in 1998. The nostalgic tune is the perfect reminder for small-town kids feeling lost in the world that life goes on, you eventually find your way, and you can always rely on your hometown to ground you when needed.

“So I’ll see you in Houston
If I ever get out that way
I’ll see you in Dallas
But I won’t have long to stay
If you’re ever out west son
And you’re feeling like slowing down
I’ll see you around
‘Round my hometown…”

After Robison’s death, the Turnpike Troubadours teamed up with Cody Canada, long before Cross Canadians Ragweed’s reunion, at Born & Raised Festival, to team up for a stellar rendition of “My Hometown.”

Turnpike Troubadours has kept the tradition alive, most recently performing the classic tune with Robert Earl Keen. The duet was released as a part of REK’s Americana Podcast episode with the Turnpike Troubadours’ frontman, sharing that the moment came organically after the men had wrapped up their discussion.

“Unplugged and unrehearsed, this acoustic version captures the spirit of Red Dirt music at its purest. Just two of Americana’s most beloved voices trading verses and honoring a friend whose lyrics still ring true.”

The stripped-back acoustic performance lets the lyrics of the tune shine brightly. REK takes the lead of the lyrics, and Felker jumps in to help during the second chorus. These two men sound stellar together and make Charlie Robison proud with this rendition of the tune.

While this rendition of incredible, it gets better because over the weekend, during The Boys From Oklahoma event in Waco, Texas, REK surprised the crowd at McLane Stadium. The acoustic version, featuring Felker, is stellar, but the full-band version, featuring REK, Cody Canada, Kyle Nix, and more, is even better.

God bless Robert Earl King and long live Charlie Robison.

Fire up the original while you’re here.

The post Robert Earl Keen & The Turnpike Troubadours’ Evan Felker Covering Charlie Robison’s “My Hometown” Is Pure Gold first appeared on Whiskey Riff.