Charlie Gracie is one of a diminishing number of rock-n-roll innovators, who continues to actively perform. A native of South Philadelphia, he became the first successful recording star of the "Rock Era" to emerge from that neighborhood. In 1957, Charlie's 'Butterfly' topped the American and British music charts, selling over 3 million copies. His other late fifties big sellers include: 'Fabulous', 'Ninety-Nine Ways', 'Wanderin Eyes' and 'I Love You So Much It Hurts'. These hits bankrolled Philly's famous Cameo-Parkway record label, making it a dominant force in the music industry for nearly a decade! At the height of his fame, Charlie frequently appeared on 'Dick Clark's American Bandstand', 'The Ed Sullivan Show', and 'Alan Freed's TV Specials'. He headlined shows at the Brooklyn Paramount, the Casino Royale in Washington, The 500 Club in Atlantic City, and Old Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia.
Charlie's star burned even brighter in Great Britain where he became the second American artist to bring rock-n-roll to the English concert stage. Preceded only by Bill Haley, Charlie headlined the London Palladium and Hippodrome receiving outstanding receptions from the press and public. To this day, Charlie Gracie, is a much loved and respected performer the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.
While Charlie has earned a place in rock music history, this is only one dimension to a career that spans forty years. His versatility makes him the consummate music man! Today, Charlie enjoys a strong following at clubs and resorts along the northeast corridor of the U.S. Twice, annually, he performs to large audiences in countries such as: England, Italy, Germany, Austria, Finland, Spain and Holland. His superb guitar playing elicits the highest of praise from music legends like George Harrison. The ex-Beatle referred to Charlie's guitar work as 'brilliant' in a March 1996 interview with Billboard Magazine. Paul McCartney paid tribute to Charlie by Recording an updated version of 'Fabulous' in his new 1999 CD series entitled: "Run Devil Run". McCartney honored Charlie again that fall by inviting him to the album's premiere party in London.
The year 2000 found Charlie on the road with Irish blues rocker, Van Morrison. Van, another Charlie Gracie admirer, commissioned him to open his shows at the Wiltern in Los Angeles and The House of Blues in Las Vegas.
A short time later, Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame, declared that Charlie inspired him to a musical career. Nash then proceeded to contribute vocally on Charlie's latest CD release-his first of the new Millennium.
It is obvious why Charlie Gracie has lasted the course longer than most. He is an accomplished musician and an exceptional talent - a devoted family man who conducts himself as a gentleman both on stage and off. He is a credit to his industry. *Charlie was voted into Great Britain's Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame (1998) founded by "Now Dig This" magazine.
Hi Charlie & Joan, hope you had a safe journey home, let me know what you though of the steak and kidney pies!!!! See you in Stockton in December, Sadie n Ian xx
