Charlie Wilson (singer)
| Charlie Wilson | |
|---|---|
 Charlie Wilson performs at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago (April 2010) (photo by Raymond Boyd)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Kent Wilson |
| Also known as | "Uncle Charlie" |
| Born | January 29, 1953 |
| Origin | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B Soul Quiet storm Hip Hop Soul Funk |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, Keyboards, Organ, Drums |
| Years active | 1967-Present |
| Labels | Interscope, Jive |
| Associated acts | The Gap Band, R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg, |
| Website | charliewilsonmusic.com |
| Notable instruments | |
| Drums | |
Charles Kent 'Charlie' Wilson (born January 29, 1953) is an American R&B/soul singer and the lead vocalist for the Gap Band.
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[edit] Biography
He was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At age 3, he was taught to sing in church which led the way for him to sing in his junior high school's choir, which was a precursor to his musical career with The Gap Band and later his solo career.
According to the Gap Band's website, he is sometimes colloquially known as "Uncle Charlie". This name was given to him by rapper Snoop Dogg[1], with whom he is good friends.
Wilson has released multiple solo albums. 2000's Bridging the Gap produced the Top 40 R&B hit "Without You", and Charlie, Last Name Wilson in fall 2005, with production from such hitmakers as R. Kelly, Kaygee and Tramp and The Platinum Brothers. Wilson also appeared on The Biggie Duets alongside R. Kelly on the song "Mi Casa". He has worked with Snoop Dogg many times, the first time being on Snoop's 1996 album Tha Doggfather, on which he appeared on four songs: "Doggfather", "Snoop Bounce", "Groupie", and "Snoop's Upside Ya Head". He was also featured on the single "Beautiful" (along with Pharrell) from Snoop's 2002 album Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss. Later, Wilson appeared on "Signs" (alongside Justin Timberlake) and "Perfect", both songs from Snoop's 2004 album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta) The Masterpiece. He was also later on Ego Trippin', the 2008 album by Snoop Dogg, on the songs "SD is Out" and "Can't Say Goodbye". Charlie Wilson also appeared on Mystikal's Ghetto Fabulous album in 1998 and {two songs on UGK's 2007 Underground Kingz album: "Quit Hatin' the South" and "How Long Can It Last". Charlie Wilson appeared in Snoop Doog's 1996 video "Snoops Upside Ya Head" (contains a Gap Band sample and hook from ""I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops Upside Your Head)"
Wilson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2005. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early, so Wilson was able to begin treatment immediately.
[edit] Awards
Wilson has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
Best R&B Album for Uncle Charlie and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "There Goes My Baby" in 2010
Best Rap/Song Collaboration (with Pharrell & Snoop Dogg) for "Beautiful" in 2003
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (with Luke Cresswell, Fiona Wilkes, Carl Smith, Fraser Morrison, Everett Bradley, Mr. X, Melle Mel, Yo-Yo, Chaka Khan, Da Luniz, Shaquille O'Neal, Quincy Jones & Coolio) for "Stomp" in 1997
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- 1992 You Turn My Life Around
- 2000 Bridging the Gap #152 US
- 2005 Charlie, Last Name Wilson #10 US
- 2009 Uncle Charlie #2 US
[edit] Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US R&B/Hip-Hop | |||
| 1992 | "You Turn My Life Around" | - | 78 | You Turn My Life Around |
| "Sprung on Me" | - | 23 | ||
| 2000 | "Without You" | - | 26 | Bridging the Gap |
| "Big Pimpin'" (featuring Nate Dogg) | - | 94 | ||
| 2005 | "Charlie, Last Name Wilson" | 67 | 11 | Charlie, Last Name Wilson |
| "Magic" | - | 27 | ||
| 2008 | "Supa Sexy" (featuring T-Pain & Jamie Foxx) | - | 53 | Uncle Charlie |
| 2009 | "There Goes My Baby " | 98 | 15 | |
| "Can't Live Without You"[2] | 19 | |||
