Rockie Charles

Early years Charles was born in Boothville, Louisiana and learned to play guitar from his father, Earlington, a travelling bluesman who played juke joints in the segregated Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Charles moved to New Orleans aged 13, Charles dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and moved to Venice, Louisiana. He returned to New Orleans aged 18 and started the band The Gadges. After releasing records with Black Patch, Charles relocated to Nashville, where he backed performers including O.V. Wright, Little Johnny Taylor, and Roscoe Shelton. He returned to New Orleans in 1970, and set up his own label, Soulgate, on which he had a local hit with "The President of Soul Part I".

His recording career resumed in 1994 after New Orleans Records producer Carlo Ditta responded to an advertisement Charles had placed in a local entertainment magazine. This led to the release of his debut solo LP, Born for You in 1996.

Death Charles died of cancer at the age of 67, shortly after completing an album, I Want First Class. Ponderosa Stomp organiser Ira "Dr. Ike" Padnos said that "If Rockie had had the right push, the right breaks, he really could have done something great ... he was a first-class, stand-up guy. I loved him for that." It's Party Time for the Mardi Gras (Rockie Charles, 2003) I Want First Class (Soulgates, 2007)

Singles "Sinking Like A Ship" / "Riccasha" (Black Patch 711, 1967) "The President of Soul Part I" / "The President of Soul Part II" (Soulgates 8716/7, 1971) "Someday I'll Fall in Love" / "Living in the Good Times" (Soulgates 72–6050366, 1974) "Calling Your Name" / "Show My People Around the Curve" (Soulgates 72–6050366, 1975)