About the Proprietor of Sorrel River Ranch Resort

About the Owner




About the Owner

Robbie Levin was born and raised in San Jose, California, and began playing music at a young age. By fifteen he and his band, The People, were gaining substantial local popularity, and they were signed by Capitol Records in 1967. With the release of their first album, I Love You, in 1968, the group found themselves at #1 on the Billboard charts. Their sudden fame led to tours and performances across the US and abroad, and over the next few years the group performed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, and Janis Joplin, touring extensively with The Who. The People released additional albums in 1969 and 1970, and continued to perform under the new name Rockin’ Horse, producing two records with RCA and Paramount before disbanding in 1976.


Beginning in 1974, Robbie supplemented his musical success with a foray into the garment industry. Working from his garage, he and a business partner founded Melrose, the first airbrushed clothing line in the U.S. Within a year, the company had 16 employees with headquarters in Canoga Park, California, and the company continued to enjoy increasing success. Since the breakup of Rockin’ Horse, Robbie felt there was a musical void in his life, so in 1977, with Melrose now over 50 employees strong, Robbie auditioned for and was selected by Rick Springfield to join the band as their bassist. For two years Robbie rocked with Rick and the gang, until the enormous success of Melrose demanded his full attention once again. After focusing on growing and expanding his multimillion dollar business which had reached more than $140 M in annual sales, Robbie sold the company in 1986, staying on as CEO until he left the industry at the end of 1991.

During his early professional career, Robbie became especially interested in fitness and nutrition, earning his black belt in martial arts while touring in Japan. Robbie has also been an avid skier since 1978, and at Melrose he introduced a line of skiwear under the brand “Robert John.” Over the years, several of Robbie’s close friends were prominent members of the health and wellness movement, so Robbie was at the forefront of life-changing health trends, such as Fit for Life’s food combining techniques. In 1961, Robbie first discovered road biking, and in 1987 his passion for the sport led him to create what has come to be known as “spinning,” a health program that is found in gyms and resorts around the world. To this day, cycling remains one of his greatest pleasures in life.

Despite his eclectic background, in purchasing this century old guest ranch and transforming it into Sorrel River Ranch, Robbie began to focus on what was most important to him. Robbie’s dream has been to introduce visitors to the wonders of the Southwest, providing an unforgettable guest experience that revolves around a healthy lifestyle. The diverse adventures available in the Moab area provide ample opportunity for guests to experience—sometimes for the first time!—the joys of an active life. By bringing an element of luxury to this magnificent landscape, Robbie has enabled guests from all walks of life to experience the healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation of the tranquil solitude of Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa.