Charles Bradley

At an age when most musicians and singers are at the concluding stage of their careers, soul and R&B singer Charles Bradley has just started his professional music journey. The arrival may have been late but it is totally worth the wait as the singer’s increasing popularity surpasses that of many young contemporary singers of the genre. The performer disguised as James Brown most of his life, had to wait several decades to get recognition for his individual music style until he finally made his debut as a recording artist two years ago. Charles Bradley tickets are your chance to witness the soul stirring performance of the finest soul singer of the current era. 

Born in Florida in 1948, Bradley’s interest in music grew when he happened to attend the concert of James Brown in 1962. Fascinated by Brown’s energy and stage demeanor, Charles began mimicking his style while aspiring to become a singing star one day. But success did not come the easy way for the young dreamer. Charles spent a good part of his childhood and youth living on the streets doing small odd jobs to make ends meet. He also worked as a chef for almost ten years. Later he formed a music band with which he performed small music shows at local clubs. However, the band did not last long and Charles had to return to being a chef. Apart from his professional struggles, Charles suffered tragedies on a personal level as well. His brother was brutally murdered and he himself underwent a serious health situation when he was accidently given a dose of a drug that he was allergic to. He travelled from city to city in search for a better job. During his time in California in a restaurant, Charles took time out for his passion, music. Soon he began performing as James Brown impersonator as a part time job at a local club called Black Velvet. This is where he caught the eye of Gabriel Roth, co-founder of the label Daptone Records.

Roth introduced Charles to Tom Brennek who invited him at a rehearsal of his music band. During the rehearsing performance of the band, Bradley wrote on the spot lyrics for their music. Out of the several songs he wrote, some of them were released on vinyl in 2002 by Daptone Records, while ten were selected to make up Charles’s debut album ‘No Time For Dreaming’. The record was released in 2011. The album is a reflection of the long road of hardships that Bradley had to walk through his life. Tracks like ‘Why is it so hard’ and ‘I believe in your love’ pour out the singer’s long contained emotional feelings in the most musically profound manner.  

His next and most recent album ‘Victim of love’ is a continuation of his story that has now moved forward in a more positive direction. When adversity grasps its shadows around, drowning in despair seems rather easy. But Bradley has instead emerged as a rising star and transformed his weaknesses into his greatest strengths both as a song writer and singer.

Film maker Poull Brien has chartered the singer’s long tough journey from homelessness to stardom in a documentary called ‘Charles Bradley: Soul of America’.  The documentary is an honest and frank account by the singer who unlike other singers of the soul genre has maintained strong classical grounds in his music.

It is this honesty and sensitivity of the man that reflects clearly through his voice and sets his music apart from the rest. Charles is as an inspiration to all those to give up their dreams mid-way. He is a proof of the fact that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, as he puts it ‘You're never too old until you're in the ground'. Bitterness has not touched the soul of the singer. At 65, Charles Bradley has just begun to entertain his audiences and he has enough love inside him to share for many years to come. So get your Charles Bradley tickets and get ready for a soul stirring performance by the exceptionally talented singer.