Charles Wright

Official Biography (courtesy of Phil Brown)

Possessing one of the most distinctive voices in modern music history, renowned composer and multi-instrumentalist Charles Wright's moniker on the international music landscape is as deep as the Grand Canyon and is a true barometer for timeless music for future generations. 

From a precocious youngster growing up in rural Mississippi to an avant-garde recording    artist, Charles Wright's contribution to funk, R&B, and pop is incalculable. The sheer intensity of his soul and peerless vocal timbre are expressed through his classics and on his latest 14-track release My Love Affair With Doo-Wop, a throwback to his doo-wop group The Galahads.

It would take a city library to list all of Charles' compositions, and his affection for doo-wop is no secret. The first track on this bountiful disc, "Be Fair," is pure ear-candy; and "You Cheated," a monster hit for The Shields back in the day, will glaze you with nostalgia; "Good Night My Love," first recorded by Charles' mentor, Jessie Belvin, is one of the finest love-songs ever recorded and is resurrected on this disc with a superlative arrangement.

Charles' career began when he left his A&R post at Delphi Records and started the band Charles Wright and the Wright Sounds. The group then exploded onto the LA nightclub scene with a unique sound that grabbed the attention of industry movers-and-shakers.

Charles' innovative virtuosity on guitar was constantly showcased in LA recording studios. He quickly became one of LA's most sought after session musicians, backing up the likes of Bill Cosby. This association led to the band's 1967 deal with Warner Bros. Records as The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. The band became the label's first successful R&B group.

Jessie Belvin, a songwriter and superb singer who set the tone for many aspiring LA artists, greatly influenced Charles' illustrious career. Belvin mentored the fledgling artist and supplied him with tools for success, and Charles listened like an honor student.

Charles' music has touched a chord with nearly everyone: Companies such as Chrysler, Nike, Hanes, and Burger King use "Express Yourself" to advertise their products. And TV, radio, film, and sports franchises borrow "Express Yourself" to promote their many events. Television shows like I Hate Chris and American Idol Rewind have anxiously showcased the tune to millions.

Charles' latest CD on A Million $ Worth of Memories Records label, My Love Affair With Doo-Wop, is a musical smorgasbord of new and classic numbers and a few surprises. Charles Wright's mark on music history and the rich legacy that he established is one that is time-tested and is one that will flourish indefinitely.

By Phil Brown