If you are looking for an exciting way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Charlie Wilson could have the solution.
The popular R&B vocalist will host a special Valentine’s Day concert this coming Monday at the Murat Theatre, performing classics from his days with The Gap Band as well as his current Top Ten material.
Wilson is best known as the energetic lead singer of The Gap Band, which he led with his brothers, Robert and Ronnie. Between 1978 and 1989, the group topped the charts with such favorites as “Outstanding,” “Early in the Morning,” “Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”, “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” and “Party Train.”
As The Gap Band took a hiatus during the early 1990s, Charlie Wilson fell into drug addiction and homelessness, and later experienced a battle with cancer. By 2000, however, he had overcome those challenges and launched a successful solo career.
He is known to a younger generation of fans as “Uncle Charlie,” thanks to his collaborations with hip-hop artists and recent songs such as his Grammy-nominated hit, 2009’s “There Goes My Baby.” His new album, “Just Charlie,” has already been labeled a success due to the popularity of the single, “You Are.”
The Recorder recently had a chance to speak with Wilson about his career and new album.
Recorder: How are things going for your career at this time?
Charlie Wilson: Man, I couldn’t be more grateful. I came out of a group late in the game to start a solo career, and ended up with seven No. 1 records. I have to be one of the most blessed guys in this business to have endured what I have endured and still have this success. I am just so thankful to everyone who has supported me.
What is the driving force behind your latest album, “Just Charlie”?
To give women the praise they deserve. I’m trying to show young men and teenagers to not just call their lady a “hood rat,” “hoe,” the b-word or something like that. It just doesn’t sit right with me, and I’m sure many people as well. I know that some guys stop doing that when they get older, but for others those words stay in their repertoire. So, if there’s a young man out there who likes R&B, then maybe Uncle Charlie can show him that it’s OK to bow down for a minute and appreciate his woman.
You have performed overseas for the U.S. military, and will go to Iraq and Kuwait this month. What do you enjoy about doing that?
I enjoy being able to help raise the morale of the soldiers, man. Performing this music gives them a little bit of home where they are. I’ve been to places in Iraq where you could hear gunfire all day and all night. Sometimes they had to run me out from signing autographs into a bullet proof van, and drive me through a barricade at accelerated speed because a missile could be coming, and there are only seven seconds to get out of the area.
You are a prostate cancer survivor. The disease has claimed the lives of many African-American men; yet, many men don’t get tested. Any advice?
I have to tell the men to quit being a wimp (laughing)! I know women, including my wife, who get mammograms all the time and don’t complain about the pain. Testing and early detection is the key, because you should know if you have cancer, and whether it is aggressive. Don’t let shame or a few seconds of pain stop you from having a longer life.
Recently your brother and The Gap Band co-founder, Robert Wilson, passed away. How are you coping with his loss?
It’s been five months, but the fact that he is gone or that I don’t have a number to call him is still hard to believe. My brother was one of the greatest bass players, and he could play any other instrument he put his mind to. He was a good singer, but always wanted me to sing the vocals. I remember I always had to duck his bass because he was so energetic, and I had to be careful to not get cut when we would start dancing and he’d spin around with his bass! I’ll miss his energy on stage. I’m sending a shout out to his daughters, La’Tina and Robin, who are from Muncie, Ind. Robert lived there for a while during his career.
How is your older brother, Ronnie?
Ronnie is fine, and we still talk a lot. He has recovered well from a recent stroke, and is now happily involved in preaching and ministry.
Your solo show still has a lot of the same energy and fun from The Gap Band days.
Right, because that is the only way I know how to perform, man. I’m still growing as an artist, and my nature has always been to do all that I can in the moment I’m in, because it could be my last show.
You have overcome challenges such as homelessness and drug addiction. What kind of advice do you have for a person struggling in today’s economy?
If you are struggling with anything, whether it is trying to provide for your family or just reaching your goals, never give up. Whatever it is you’re trying to reach, go for it, do not stop and don’t look back, because there’s nothing back there but darkness. You have to look forward, because your blessings are ahead of you. Sometimes God allows us to be tested, but it is important to keep a positive spirit and have positive people around you who believe in what you’re doing.
Do you enjoy performing in Indianapolis?
Man, I love that place! I had a great time during my last visit there. I have friends in Indianapolis, and I can’t wait to get back and see everyone.
