Michael Charles
Rock / blues / jam band
United States of America

Michael Charles is rock / blues / jam band from the United States of America. Born In Tatura, Victoria, Australia, Michael Charles was the second oft wo children and the only son born to Mary and Salvatore "Sam". Michael's father, Sam, was born and raised in Sicily, Italy. Being the oldest child, he took charge and cared for his younger siblings as the war tore his family apart. At the end of the war he immigrated to Australia, met and wedded Mary, and made his living as a fruit wholesaler.

Sam's childhood experiences lent to some invaluable lessons in life. Putting this together with his keen sense for business, and his son Michael would become a recipient of his Father's vast array of knowledge and common sense. Some of this business sense Michael would pick up while laboring in the tomato fields and some of it would be absorbed while he sat diligently across from his Dad's desk watching and listening to what money goes into what stack and why. Michael later put this good advice and teaching into practice when he opened his own mechanic shop and developed his record label and distribution company.

The other lessons in life included responsibility to oneself and pursuing one's dreams. The best example of this is when young Michael, at the age of four, spotted with interest, a guitar standing in the dining room corner. Sam played only as a hobby but eagerly showed Michael a few chords and riffs. And that was the beginning! As Michael grew older, so did his seriousness about a music career. Encouraging Michael to remember to be a kid too, Michael's parents urged him to leave his bedroom where blankets covered the windows so Michael's room would be dark all day long and Michael could better concentrate on his music and writing. But Michael wasn't interested in the outside. Actually he wasn't interested in anything except his guitar and music.

By age eight Michael was working on putting his first band together. And at age fifteen Michael was touring. Michael is very a-typical in the sense he did not follow the "normal" rock and roll scene pattern. Drugs have never been a part or a consideration in Michael's life or career. Alcohol and cigarettes have been the extent of the drugs and Michael says "they're bad enough" and continually tries to stay away from both. As for other "rock and roll lifestyles" you'd think for a guy who got his education during his early touring as he sat in the front seat while the older guys were in the backseat having their way with their women that he would be quite skilled at womanizing. But as you may be realizing, Michael is quite different from the rest. He lives by and for his music alone, and although he has had his share of loves there has never been any abuse towards the opposite sex, or for that matter, his fellow man. He treats everyone with respect and care, and just hopes to receive a little back. Meanwhile as I am characterizing Michael for you, I will continue on with some chronological facts.

It was at the age of twenty-one that Michael's biggest hero was taken from his life. Michael lost his Dad to a massive heart attack. The effect would be insurmountable on Michael but would also add a new reason, a new strength, a new passion to live out his dream. By now Michael had entered into a marriage and when the children came along and Michael's wife stated she wish to continue her profession, he thought nothing of taking the children to the recording studio with him, changing diapers during takes, and bussing the kids to school when that time rolled around. During that busy and crazy, fun time Michael released his first single. The touring started up again, radio interviews, television appearances. and a non stop schedule of promotions and performances. Then in 1989 a great opportunity came about when Michael's management came in contact with Buddy Guy's management with an invitation for Michael to play at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.! Fulfilling a life-long dream to travel to the United States, and the chance not only to meet, but play with one his long time heroes was too great to resist. This engagement started a whole new chapter in Michael's life.

Not satisfying his appetite during his first trip, Michael continued his long journeys back and forth to the United States. When at home in Australia he kept up with the touring, recording, releasing of records, and fathering. Now being heard on eighty eight radio stations, and appearing on twenty eight television programs , he had a definite spot for himself on the Australian music industry. Michael was recognized through APRA as one of the most prolific song writers in Australia and was the featured artist in two of the top music trade magazines in Australia.

But ever growing in his mind was the thought and challenge of the music scene on the other side of the world. After some devastating changes in his personal life, the decision was made to go ahead and seriously pursue the American market. So the next ticket purchased was one way. One should reflect upon the thought and sacrifices that were made to come to what was still a strange and foreign land with nothing but a guitar on his back. Sure, the initial invitation from Buddy Guy was exciting but when this choice was made there would be no welcoming committee. He would be alone. No driver's license, no social security card, no nothing, except for the intense loneliness.

What kept him going was his dedication and devotion, but mainly the suffering would be endured for the people he loved so much. His main objective was to do what he needed to do so he could support and give his Mom and children a good life, and helped all the others that helped him along the way.

By now the list of those who had helped him, and thus became important to Michael, had grown to include Americans. There were many key people in Michael's life here in the states too, that helped him in one way or another and he holds each one of them dear in his heart.

Once established as best as possible with a car, an insurance card (which took approximately fifty calls to even find a company who would insure someone without a past here), a social security card, an apartment, and so on and so forth, Michael was ready to concentrate on the real reason for being here, his music.

Things started happening all at once and Michael found himself touring the United States with blues man, Jimmy Dawkins, negotiating with record companies, and eventually recording and releasing his first U.S. record.

In the couple of years to come we would see Michael add to his catalog of fourteen releases with two U.S. compilations, his first U.S. single, one full length CD re-issue, and his latest CD which may be described as a musical soundtrack of his life. At the start of all of this it appeared imminent that a band be formed so Michael could take his music out to live performances. (By now four CD's are picked up by a distribution company and placed in major record stores.) In his agenda he would perform in several festivals including the Chicago Blues Fest, and The House of Blues is among the long list of venues. Television and radio appearances are on the increase and Michael completes his fourth consecutive year performing and hosting the Grammy Awards meetings for the Chicago chapter. Another honor bestowed upon him would be the sponsorship by famous Sam Phillips to play on Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee during the Crossroads Music Festival.

The interest in Michael Charles and his music is growing and growing as Washburn and Gibson become the second and third companies to jump on the band wagon and offer endorsements to this artist. Many large festival organizations and promoting agencies are proudly adding Michael to their roster.

If this sounds like enough energy for one man to expel, you don't know Michael because his latest venture was to open his own recording studio. As I mentioned he just finished a new CD, is recording the next one, and also working on his box set. Along with this, he is also working and helping fellow up and coming musicians with their projects. Helping others is something Michael and his music seemed to do so well. But the cost is high! But Michael seems to be able to keep paying the price because his compassion towards others continues as he focuses on his original goal, which is to get his music out to the people.

Once said by someone in the music industry about the music of Michael Charles, "...his rock seizes you with energy and his blues turns sadness into beauty...". Better stated by Michael himself when he sings "...so I'll just tell my story and hope that I can help someone...".

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