“From Randy Rhoads to Precious Metal, Lindsey Buckingham, The String Revolution, to John Carter Cash and all points in between – like a stint working with Meredith Brooks, Midge Ure or appearing with Monte Montgomery – the ongoing tale of guitarist/songwriter Janet Robin is a fascinating journey.”
– Pollstar
Janet Robin-Biography
A Southern California native, Janet Robin’s musical path began at an early age and was profoundly shaped by her mentorship with legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads. Under his guidance, she developed a formidable command of the instrument along with a disciplined and deeply musical approach that would inform her work for decades to come. While still in high school, Robin launched her professional career as lead guitarist for the all-female rock band Precious Metal.
Discovered by renowned Los Angeles tastemaker Rodney Bingenheimer, Precious Metal was signed to PolyGram Records and later Chameleon/Capitol Records, releasing multiple albums and touring extensively. The band collaborated with prominent songwriters associated with Heart, Poison, and Cheap Trick, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base during the height of the Los Angeles rock scene. The experience established Robin as a commanding guitarist, songwriter, and performer early in her career.
Following the band's dissolution, Robin was personally selected by Lindsey Buckingham to join his touring band in support of his acclaimed solo album Out of the Cradle. Working closely with Buckingham proved to be a defining chapter, influencing her guitar style, songwriting sensibility, vocal approach, and overall artistic direction. Robin has often cited this period as pivotal in shaping her desire to pursue a solo career and further develop her own musical voice.
That next chapter began with her debut solo album Open the Door, released on her independent label, Little Sister Records. The record garnered critical acclaim and led to song placements in film and television, including the hit series Felicity. Robin followed with several additional releases that continued to evolve her sound, blending acoustic intimacy with rock-driven energy. A dedicated live performer, she toured extensively in support of her solo work, sharing stages with artists including Heart, Colin Hay, Loudon Wainwright III, and The Smithereens while building an international audience.
Robin’s career has been notably global in scope. She has toured extensively throughout Europe, headlining hundreds of solo acoustic performances as well as full-band shows at clubs, theaters, and major festivals in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Czech Republic, and beyond. Her international presence led to overseas licensing and distribution deals and ongoing collaborations with artists and producers around the world.
In addition to her work as a performer and songwriter, Robin has established herself as an accomplished producer, arranger, and musical director. She has produced recordings for her own projects, including The String Revolution, as well as artists such as Erinn Alisa, Anna Mintzer, and numerous emerging singer-songwriters. Known for her ability to develop artists while maintaining authenticity, Robin brings decades of experience in songwriting, recording, performance, and career development into the studio. Her production work spans acoustic, rock, Americana, instrumental, and singer-songwriter genres, reflecting both her versatility and commitment to serving the song.
Robin has also become a respected educator and mentor. Drawing on more than 35 years of professional experience, she works with developing and established musicians alike, helping artists strengthen not only their guitar playing but their musicianship, creativity, performance skills, and artistic identity.
Beyond her solo work, Robin has collaborated across genres and formats with an eclectic range of artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Steve Stevens, Meredith Brooks, Michelle Shocked, and Maia Sharp. Her adaptability and musicianship have led to work in theater, television, and film, including touring as guitarist for Air Supply and coaching actors for major motion pictures. Notably, she worked closely with Jennifer Jason Leigh to prepare for her guitar performance in The Hateful Eight.
Robin’s creative output extends into composition and scoring as well. Her original songs and instrumental works have appeared in numerous television programs and films, and she has composed original scores for award-winning short films screened at major festivals. She has also written music for film, television, and video game projects, further expanding her reach as a composer and storyteller.
In recent years, Robin has gained renewed international recognition as a founding member of The String Revolution, the Grammy Award®-winning acoustic guitar trio she co-founded with Markus Illko and Rober Luis. The group's innovative blend of world music, rock, jazz, classical, and cinematic influences has attracted millions of streams worldwide, regular SiriusXM airplay, and performances at venues including the Grammy Museum and major festivals throughout the United States.
The String Revolution's releases have featured collaborations with artists including Tommy Emmanuel, John Carter Cash, Steve Stevens, and Lakecia Benjamin. Their acclaimed EP Red Drops reached the Top 10 on Spotify's Instrumental Charts, while their recordings have consistently pushed the boundaries of what an instrumental guitar ensemble can achieve.
In 2024, Robin and The String Revolution received the Grammy Award® for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for their collaboration on "Folsom Prison Blues" featuring Tommy Emmanuel and produced by John Carter Cash. The award marked a major milestone in Robin’s career and cemented the trio's place among the leading voices in contemporary instrumental music.
Across decades of recording, touring, producing, teaching, composing, and collaborating, Janet Robin has remained steadfast in her commitment to music as a living, evolving practice. Whether performing on stages around the world, producing records for emerging artists, composing for visual media, or exploring new instrumental forms with The String Revolution, she continues to approach her work with curiosity, discipline, and heart—embodying the enduring definition at the center of her career: musician.
Grammy Award® Winning Guitarist, 2024
"Top Acoustic Guitarist" - Guitar Player Magazine, 2017
"Top 10 Female Guitarist" - Guitar World Magazine, 2012
“Working with Janet was an unforgettable experience. She followed her spirit – no limits. Janet’s love for her art is evident in her impassioned musicianship and inspired songwriting. The music we created together, vibrant and full of energy, encapsulates all that she is.”
Janet Robin conducts guitar workshops, has hosted DVD recordings for Alfred Music Publishing, and is a respected clinician for Turner-Renaissance Guitars and Fender. She currently endorses Maton Guitars, Taylor Guitars, Fender Guitars, Martin Guitars and strings, Turner-Renaissance Guitars, Goldtone Instruments, Radial, Seymour Duncan, Sennheiser, Warm Audio, DR Strings, Clayton Picks, Jodi Head Straps, and the Thimble Slide, amongst others.
For more information on Janet Robin and/or interview, promo, photo and ticket requests, please reach out to her PR agent:
+1 718-881-8183