Charles Bradley is experiencing a late life awakening. The 65-year-old singer, a former James Brown impersonator, has become a retro-soul sensation, riding a wave of popularity since releasing his first album, No Time for Dreaming in 2011.
Heartfelt Gratitude
Given his recent success, he’s thrilled, “from the bottom of my heart for the support of the fans.” It’s a heartwarming, albeit rare, success story. “Never give up on your dreams, go out there and be yourself,” he noted in a recent interview with GoLocal.
His popularity might seem hard to explain, but he credits “the heart and soul and the truth in the music,” for his success. The music “is original, its old soul.” He’s released two albums to date; his second, Victim of Love, was also well-received by critics. He’s a tour de force on stage; completely authentic, putting his own soul out there for all to see.
The Roots Appeal
He’s onto something. In these days of over-produced electronica that passes as music, the roots sound, with all its human imperfection, is winning over fans. His bandmates, the Extrordinaires, are young and fresh. “Most of the guys are in their 20s, and they give you all they got,” he said. “I’m teaching them the love and wisdom to go with the flow. And something I have to step back and learn with them. There’s a deepness in the music.”
The fans are young,too. He’s become a favorite of the hipster Brooklyn set, and has a large following overseas. Recently returned from a tour of Europe with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Bradley is still getting used to life on the road, where he’s scheduled over 100 shows a year. “They really opened the door for me,” Bradley said of his European fans.
Part of his success can be attributed to Daptone Records founder Gabriel Roth, who “discovered” Bradley when he was still doing the James Brown impersonation. Roth knows talent – he also produced the Amy Winehouse album, Back to Black, among others. The Brooklyn, NY-based label has done a lot for undiscovered artists like Bradley and Jones.
A Difficult Past
A Florida native, Bradley has had some tough times and his story was told in a recent documentary, Soul of America. He grew up under difficult circumstances, had a frustrating job history, and witnessed his brother’s murder. He admits even contemplating suicide at one point. He once found himself sitting in a pizza shop, “angry at the world. And then a man came in and put a coin in the jukebox and [’70s classic] ‘Take it to the Limit’ came on.” The Eagles song inspired him to fight through his pain and keep going. “The song gave me strength,” remarked Bradley.
Major Influences
In addition to James Brown, Bradley mentions classic soul artists like Bobby Womack and Aretha Franklin as major influences on his sound. And he’d even like to sing songs by the Eagles sometime, live. Ironically, he’s been tagged with the nickname “Screaming Eagle of Soul,” although the reference is more about his performance style than the band.
Having languished in obscurity for most of his life, Bradley’s finally getting the recognition he deserves. He’s a rare star who truly appreciates how lucky he is today. He’ll be appearing with his band at the Rhythm and Roots festival in Charlestown, RI, on Sunday August 31. For those planning to be there Sunday night, prepare to be blown away!
Rhythm and Roots Festival this Weekend
Rhythm and Roots runs in Charlestown, RI, over Labor Day weekend, from Friday Aug. 29 to Sunday Aug 31. The festival will celebrate its 17th year with over 90 performances from festival favorites like Donna the Buffalo, Sarah Potenza, and host band The Duhks, as well as first time festival artists like Charles Bradley and Anders Osborne. There’s camping, great food and vendors, kids events, and more. Click here for all the details.
A version of this story was originally published in GoLocalProv, a leading news and arts website in Rhode Island. Ken Abrams review Roots, Rock, and Blues for GoLocal. E-Mail him at mrabrams@aol.com .
