Rothenberg legally changed his name by 1992 to David Jordan Robinson.[1] He attended ArtCenter College of Design.[2] By 1996 he was using only his first name;[3] he then legally changed his name to Dave Dave, to "free myself of [Charles Rothenberg's] name and his legacy", as he said then.[4][6] He became a house music DJ, music producer and rap musician;[5] in 1996 he directed a music video for Kelli Lidell.[6] He later focused on conceptual art in Las Vegas.[6][4] His work included a project titled Lifted that he said grew out of "a conscious desire to inspire others to be greater than themselves"[5] and collaborations with artists including Sheridee Hopper.[4]