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The Black Crowes

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Band Timeline

1984

Formation of The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes were formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984 initially under the name 'Mr. Crowe's Garden.' Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson founded the band while attending Walton High School. Influenced by contemporary local acts like R.E.M. and classic 1970s blues rock, they evolved into a revivalist band with a distinctive sound rooted in Southern rock and psychedelic pop. Early years involved playing local venues and producing demo recordings, with their lineup solidifying by the late 1980s.
1989–1990

Signing and Release of Debut Album 'Shake Your Money Maker'

In 1989, The Black Crowes signed with Def American Recordings after meeting producer George Drakoulias, who exposed them to new musical influences such as The Faces and Humble Pie. In 1990, they released their debut album 'Shake Your Money Maker,' which was a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 and earning five times platinum certification in the U.S. Hit singles like 'Twice as Hard' and 'Hard to Handle' helped establish the band's reputation and commercial viability early on.
1992

Breakthrough with 'The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion'

The band's second album, 'The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion,' released in 1992, reached number one on the Billboard 200. The album produced multiple chart-topping singles on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, solidifying the band's presence in the rock scene. This album marked the height of their commercial success, further boosting their profile and confirming their talent as a major force in 1990s rock music.
1994–2001

Continued Releases and Moderate Success

Between 1994 and 2001, The Black Crowes released several albums including 'Amorica' (1994), 'Three Snakes and One Charm' (1996), 'By Your Side' (1999), and 'Lions' (2001). These albums demonstrated their evolving sound, maintaining a moderate level of popularity but failing to match the commercial success of their first two records. 'Amorica' achieved gold certification, but overall sales were more modest during this period amid changes in music trends and band dynamics.
2002–2005

Hiatus and Regrouping

The band went into a hiatus from 2002 to 2005 after years of continuous recording and touring. This break allowed members to pursue individual projects and rejuvenate creatively. The Black Crowes reformed in 2005 and returned to the live music scene, touring actively before releasing new material. Their regrouping signaled a reinvigoration of their artistic output and connection with their fanbase.
2008–2010

Return with 'Warpaint' and Anniversary Tour

In 2008, The Black Crowes released 'Warpaint,' their first studio album in seven years, which reached number five on the Billboard 200, achieving their highest chart position in years. Following this, the band released 'Croweology' in 2010, a greatest hits and acoustic double album. They embarked on a 20th anniversary tour, celebrating their legacy. After the tour, they entered a second hiatus, reflecting a cycle of intense activity followed by rest.
2013–2015

Touring and Second Breakup

The band toured in 2013, reconnecting with audiences and revisiting their catalog. However, in 2015, The Black Crowes announced their breakup once more. This period marked uncertainty regarding their future, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining the band's cohesion over decades. Despite the breakup, the band's impact remained influential in rock circles.
2019–Present

Reformation and Recent Activities

The Black Crowes reformed in late 2019, planning a 30th-anniversary tour to celebrate their debut album 'Shake Your Money Maker.' Though postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band continued to make music and tour as conditions allowed. As of 2023, the lineup consists mainly of the Robinson brothers along with longtime bassist Sven Pipien and newer members, producing new material including the 2024 album 'Happiness Bastards,' nominated for a Grammy. In 2025, the band received their first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, cementing their legacy in rock history.

Albums

the-black-crowes_1st_album
Shake Your Money Maker
10 tracks
1990
the-black-crowes_2nd_album
The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
10 tracks
1992
the-black-crowes_3rd_album
Amorica
11 tracks
1994
the-black-crowes_4th_album
Three Snakes and One Charm
12 tracks
1996
the-black-crowes_5th_album
By Your Side
11 tracks
1998
the-black-crowes_6th_album
Lions
14 tracks
2001
the-black-crowes_7th_album
Warpaint
11 tracks
2008
the-black-crowes_8th_album
Happiness Bastards
10 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Rich Robinson

1989

Chris Robinson

1989

Steve Gorman

2005

Sven Pipien

2005

Luther Dickinson

2007

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Andy Hess

2002
2002

Marc Ford

1992
1999

Bill Dobrow

2005
2005

Sven Pipien

1999
2001

Jeff Cease

1989
1992

Marc Ford

2005
2006

Eddie Harsch

1992
2006

Steve Gorman

1989
2002

Greg Rzab

2001
2002

Adam MacDougall

2013
N/A

Adam MacDougall

2007
2011

Audley Freed

1999
2002

Johnny Colt

1989
1999

Story of The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes: A Southern Rock Saga

The Black Crowes, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, burst onto the scene in 1984 with a sound that rekindled the flame of classic rock. Their music, a potent blend of bluesy grit and Southern swagger, quickly caught the attention of Def American Recordings, leading to their 1989 signing and the release of their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, in 1990.

This debut, a raw and energetic masterpiece, catapulted the band to stardom, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. Their sophomore effort, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, released in 1992, cemented their success, hitting the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

The Crowes continued to release a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Amorica (1994), Three Snakes and One Charm (1996), By Your Side (1999), and Lions (2001). While these records showcased their evolving sound and songwriting prowess, they didn't achieve the same chart dominance as their first two releases.

Following a hiatus from 2002 to 2005, the band regrouped and continued to tour, releasing Warpaint in 2008, which peaked at number 5 on the Billboard charts. Their 2010 release, Croweology, a double album of greatest hits and acoustic reinterpretations, marked the 20th anniversary of their career.

Despite internal strife and lineup changes, the band persevered, facing several breakups and reunions. The Robinson brothers, Chris (vocals) and Rich (guitar), remained the only constant members, their shared passion for music driving the band forward.

As of August 2023, The Black Crowes have once again come together, with a lineup that features the Robinson brothers, long-time bassist Sven Pipien, and new additions Nico Bereciartua (lead guitar), Cully Symington (drums), and Erik Deutsch (keyboards). They continue to tour and keep the spirit of classic rock alive, showcasing their enduring legacy as one of the most influential and enduring Southern rock bands of all time.

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