ABOUT CHARLES

The son of an accomplished opera singer, Charles received early musical training in both voice and percussion. Charles has utilized both his strong vocal and percussion talents as the opening act for such national groups as Smokey Robinson, Huey Lewis and the News, and the Allman Brothers. Charles has also performed and worked with Andre Crouch and Stellar Award winner Calvin Bridges, and was selected to perform a series of limited engagements with Grammy Award-winning group The Fifth Dimension.

He has had the opportunity to perform during gala grand openings for casinos in Kansas City and Las Vegas. His unique style and high spirited performances have been a highlight of many conferences and retreats for major corporations and organizations. In addition, Charles was selected by Don King Promotions to sing the National Anthem for two nationally televised boxing matches.

This local Emmy Award winner also has had the distinct honor of singing the National Anthem for the St. Louis Rams, St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. One of Charles' most memorable moments was singing the National Anthem and "God Bless America" for the St. Louis Rams versus the New York Giants football game two weeks after September 11, 2001. He was also the National Anthem singer for the St. Louis Blues Hockey team for 19 years, and had the honor of performing the anthem for the playoff games leading to their Stanley Cup victory.

Charles is a frequent teacher and performer at gospel workshops in Hamburg and Ahrenburg, Germany. He is an active volunteer and contributor to local schools' music and performing arts programs and is a board member of the New Line Theatre company.

He is also a proud member of Local 2-197, Musician's Association of St. Louis.