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Notice: We at Lanark Records feel that the music, and value are what is important, not packaging! In keeping with this we now ship our discs with limited packaging so we can sell all of our projects for under $10.00. However, for those of you that want more artwork and album information, you will very soon be able to download it on our new website! The artwork above is not the artwork the disc comes with! The legend began with a walk down Philadelphia's famed South Street. A father and his son were en route to buy a new suit when they passed a pawnshop. Out of nowhere, the father exclaimed: "Damn it, pick out an instrument son, to hell with the suit, make something of yourself!" The son replied: "Ok dad, how about a trumpet like Harry James?" "No," the father retorted, "get a guitar, that way you'll be a one man band!" And that's how it all started for a young man destined to become one of rock's pioneers. He would later go on to influence future legends. That son was none other than Charlie Gracie. Charlie began honing the musical skills that one day would take him around the world. He performed every opportunity he had, at weddings, local restaurants, 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. Charlie was not yet 16 years of age! 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, between1951-53, Charlie Gracie was experimenting with many types of music; years before later rock heroes had ever set foot inside a recording studio! By 1956, Philadelphia had given birth to the new Cameo record label. It's founders, in search of a strong talent signed Charlie later that year. With a $600.00 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 Holland. Charlie is a devoted family man, married 40 plus years to his first and only wife, Joan. They have two children, a loving son and 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 root's 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 band mate 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, who's 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". Everyone involved in this project is grateful for Graham lending his extraordinary talents to this project. This disc marks the next phase in Charlie's musical career. Stay tuned for more! Check out the artist's website: http://www.lanarkrecords.net Track List: 1. Tootsie 2. I'm all Right 3. Let the Good Times Roll 4. Kaw-Liga 5. Little Too Soon to Tell 6. Lover Boy 7. Crying Over You 8. Gotta Travel On 9. I'm Gonna Love You 10. Still 19 11. I'm Confessing 12. Go Man, Go 13. Times are Changing 14. Get Back Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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