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.
.jpg)