Tag Archives: golden-years

Charles Perry’s New Album Takes Its Cues From Back In The Day Soul singer Charles Perry has one foot stuck firmly in the past – and that’s how he likes it. The Brooklyn musician borrowed from genres of yesteryear for his new album, “The Soul Superhero,” which pays homage to the old school with elements of funk, rock, R&B and pop. One highlight is “Panty Drop,” a doo-wop inflected, Little Richard-inspired ode to dropping the drawers that Perry said was inspired by his late grandfather, who also sang. “I’m still stuck in that time,” Perry told BOSSIP. “That’s what’s in my ear everyday. They get sick of me playing these records, but I can’t.” Perry was raised in a strict Baptist family and grew up singing in the church. He said he’d sneak and listen to his father’s record collection, taking in songs from artists like Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, James Brown and the Rev. James Moore. “That sound came from the greats,” Perry said. “That time, I call it the ‘Golden Years,’ when singing was singing.” Perry’s musical perspective and knack for holding a tune drew the attention of the late gospel singer Ronald Winans when Perry was just eight years old. Winans approached him after he’d performed with his choir at the McDonalds Gospel Fest. “He said, ‘that’s a gift from God,’” Perry recalled. “‘You can’t play with that.’ That really stood out to me. That was a turning point for me.” Winan’s accolade was the push Perry needed to devote his life to music, and the end result was the album. He said his biggest critic – his 13-year-old, Prince Josiah – has already given it the seal of approval. “He loves it,” Perry said. “He’s excited. He thinks it’s cool. That’s alright by me.” Continue reading →