Here is some information about this great soul and blues singer:
Charles Walker is from Nashville, Tennessee and actually began his recording career there, though R&B record collectors have long assumed him to be a New York artist, as the majority of his records were made there and released on New York labels.
Charles cut his first record in 1959 for Ted Jarrett's legendary Champion label. 'Slave To Love' was credited to 'Charles Walker & The Daffodils'. In fact there was no such group as the Daffodils, the back up singers on the record were label mates the Kinglets and Larry Birdsong.
In 1960 Charles moved to New York City where studios and nightclubs were plentiful. In 1962 he recorded with Chess Records out of Chicago. He soon signed on as lead singer with the J C Davis Band, touring the USA as opening act for many of the greats of the era, including Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Etta James. During this time Charles cut many barn-storming singles like 'Sweet Little Love' and 'The Chicken Scratch'.
In 1964 Walker formed his own group 'Little Charles & The Sidewinders'. They became one of the most in demand soul bands in New York City's nightclub scene, and records like ‘Hello Heartbreaker’, and ‘Please Open The Door ‘ have now become classics amongst aficionados of what became known as “Northern Soul’.
The close of the 70's saw Charles signed as a staff songwriter for Motown, and then in the next decade Charly Records in England re-issued many of the Sidewinders classic sides on LP. Realising there was a market for classic soul in the UK and Europe, Charles formed his own PRG label, issued the single 'See Me' and then relocated himself to first Spain and then England where he worked steadily and recorded more sides.
In 1993 he decided to return to Nashville to seriously get back into recording. Charles began club work at night and recording in the day with Allman Brothers keyboardist Johnny Neal. A chance encounter with an old acquaintance from the 1950's, Al Garner, lead to a guest spot on the Garner & The Roadrunners CD 'Leavin Tennessee' on Black Magic Records. Pretty soon Charles found himself recording his own Black Magic album 'I'm Available', which - under its alternative USA title of 'Leavin This Old Town' - was nominated in 2000 for 'Comeback Album of the Year'.
This record put Charles back in serious contention, and when it was swiftly followed by 'Number By Heart' the world began to wake up to what a sensational singer and showman he is. 'Number By Heart' was commissioned by Zane Records MD Peter Thompson after he saw Charles in action with Mo'Indigo, first at the Beatles Blues concert (see 'Story So Far') and then when Charles and the guys toured the UK in 2002. The album came out to rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic, and led to Charles and Mo'Indigo developing a regular working relationship. Together they have toured Europe extensively, appearing at major Festivals including the UK's 'Big Chill', Edinburgh's Jazz Festival and the famous Sweet Soul Music Festival inBologna." www.zanerecords.com
