New Orleans’ “President of Soul,” Rockie Charles, whose given name was Alfred Charles Merrick, died after a long battle with cancer on March 12. He was 70. Charles was a guitarist and singer who cut a handful of well-crafted soul singles in the 1960s and 1970s. He recorded his first CD in 1997, the acclaimed [...]
Tag Archives: Rockie Charles
Various Artists, Rhythm & Blues (Putumayo)
April 1, 2010 – 12:01 am
Unlike most compilations that serve as record label promotion, Putumayo has always favored themed releases with tracks licensed from other labels. Rhythm & Blues documents R&B’s mid-period between its jump blues origins and today’s polished, quieter urban variety, and it emphasizes the newer cats who carry on the retro tradition. No theme is ever perfect, [...]
Rockie Charles Passes Away This Morning
March 12, 2010 – 12:22 pm
“The President of Soul,” Rockie Charles, passed away Friday morning after battling cancer. The blues guitarist – whose real name was Alfred Charles Merrick – was scheduled to play Jazz Fest this year and last year recorded a new album in Denmark, I Want First Class. His “Before I Find the Right Girl for Me” [...]
