Charlie Gracie
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Charlie Gracie (born May 14, 1936) is an American rock pioneer and singer.
Born Charles Anthony Graci in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his father encouraged him to play the guitar; this started Charlie's musical career at the very early age of 14 when he appeared on the Paul Whiteman television show.
[edit] Career
Gracie began honing the musical skills that one day would take him around the world. He performed every opportunity he had, at weddings, local restaurants, and parties, and on local radio and television. He also won many regional talent contests. The little money and prizes he received were happily turned over to his mother to help support the family.
During one of these early radio performances, the owner of Cadillac Records heard Charlie while driving to New York. He was so excited by Charlie's sound that he soon contacted the young musician and signed him to a contract. This association yielded the single, Boogie Woogie Blues backed with I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter. The record led to Charlie's first appearance on Bob Horn's "Bandstand" television program. (This was four years before Dick Clark became the host)
After cutting two more singles for Cadillac, Charlie moved on to 20th Century Records where he put out another four sides. The discs he made embraced a wide variety of styles: jump blues, gospel, and country boogie with the influences of Big Joe Turner, B.B. King, Louis Jordan, Roy Acuff, and Hank Williams.
Indeed, between 1951-53, Charlie Gracie was experimenting with many types of music, years before many rock heroes had ever set foot inside a recording studio.
By 1956, Philadelphia had given birth to the new Cameo record label. Its founders, in search of a strong talent signed Charlie later that year. With a $600 budget, this new union went into the studio to record a single that would forever change their lives. The record, Butterfly backed with Ninety Nine Ways became a monster hit, reaching the number one position all across America. Charlie received a gold disc for the two million plus sales and became the first native Philadelphia rock star to achieve international success. Other substantial sellers followed: Fabulous, Wandering Eyes, and Cool Baby. The financial success of these hits bankrolled the Cameo label, which became a dominant force in the recording industry for several years.
Charlie's personal appearances grew until he performed and headlined some of the biggest venues of that time: Alan Freed's rock and roll shows at the Brooklyn Paramount, The Ed Sullivan Show, Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" and the 500 Club in Atlantic City. He toured with the likes of Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers, Bo Diddley and his close friend, Eddie Cochran.
Charlie became only the second American, guitar-toting rock and roller to bring this new art form to the British concert stage. His two extensive tours in 1957 and 58 were a whirlwind, topped off by headlining the Palladium and the Hippodrome in London. He played to packed houses and drew rave reviews. In the audiences, among Charlie's fans and admirers, were future rock greats: Graham Nash, members of the Beatles and Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker and Van Morrison. These performers and many other well-known acts have credited Charlie as an influence. George Harrison referred to Charlie's guitar technique as "brilliant" in a March 1996 interview with Billboard Magazine; Paul McCartney invited Charlie to the premiere party of his 1999 release which paid tribute to the early pioneers of rock music.
When the bosses at Cameo Records became infected with the "Teen Idol" syndrome, Charlie no longer fit the mould. More of a musician, he found himself somewhat miscast at Cameo. He moved on to other labels such as Coral, Roulette, Felsted, and Diamond, performing more of the R&B he preferred. Even if success slowed, Charlie continued to perform in clubs, theaters, and resorts, from the 60's through the 90's. He still enjoys a loyal following in Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. Charlie is a devoted family man, married 40 plus years to his first and only wife, Joan. They have two children, a son and a daughter.
During the late 1990's, Charlie was introduced to Quentin Jones, a guitarist, studio owner and label head. Quentin had a strong background in roots music, having played in a rockabilly band produced by Stray Cat, Lee Rocker. He also played lead guitar on Robert Gordon's 1996 self titled CD.
Charlie and Quentin met at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They hit it off so well they decided to record an album together. Quentin, acting as producer decided to record Charlie as a current act as opposed to an "oldies artist". He brought in bandmate Dave Ferrara to play drums. Quentin took up bass duties and some guitar, combining them with Charlie's outstanding guitar and vocals. The chemistry worked so well that Charlie invited Quentin and Dave to back him when Van Morrison commissioned the pioneer rocker to open his 2000 West Coast U.S. tour.
After overcoming some obstacles, the project finally got under way. With Charlie, Quentin and Dave comprising the nucleus, a common thread ran through each song. Quentin used his producer skills to give each number a distinctive feel. For example, Hank William's Kaw-Liga received an updated sound with a touch of "psychobilly." Lover Boy was recorded with a retro feel. The Gracie original, Times Are Changing is laden with late 60's studio techniques while I'm Confessing has that feel of musicians playing late in a smoked-filled studio, The Beatles' Get Back (which is a nod of thanks to Paul McCartney for his recent cover of Charlie's hit "Fabulous") was approached with a heavy horn section. I'm Gonna' Love You is performed straight up with an early 60s feel.
Contributing their musical talents on this CD were Tommy Conwell, whose smooth guitar playing is featured on Still 19, Ralph Miller on piano, Daryl Jenkins on sax, and Pete Barnhart on percussion. The biggest surprise came when Graham Nash volunteered to contribute vocals to the song A little Too Soon To Tell.
This disc marks the next phase in Charlie's musical career.
Charlie Gracie's pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Charlie comes from a very musical family. In fact, his brother Frank played with Charlie's band for 13 years as a bass player. Frank also formed his own band with his younger brother Bob and toured the country for 6 years, gaining their own popularity. All of the brothers got their musical talent from their father, Sam, who was affectionately known as "Dixie" and was very proud of all three of his sons. One summer down the "Jersey Shore" they all got on stage and performed together.
