Obit: songwriter Bobby Charles RIP (1938-2010)

Subject: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 02:16 PM

Sad news from Offbeat Magazine of New Orleans:

Bobby Charles Passed Away
14 January 2010
by Alex Rawls
offbeat.com

Songwriter Bobby Charles passed away this morning; the cause has yet
to be determined. The writer of "Walking to New Orleans" and "See You
Later Alligator" had struggled with ill-health for years, including
back problems and a bout with cancer that was in remission. Those
problems led him to miss a scheduled appearance at the Ponderosa Stomp
in 2004 and Jazz Fest in 2007. Evidently he fell recently and was
bedridden as a result. It was after that fall that he died.

Charles had completed work on a new album, which is due out next
month.

More when we know more.

For more on Charles, here's Geoffrey Himes' guide to Charles' writing,
an interview Alex Rawls did with him in 2007, and a feature he wrote
for Blurt after the release of 2008's Homemade Songs.

http://www.offbeat.com/2010/01/14/bobby-charles-passed-away/

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 02:26 PM

This is so sad! Bobby Charles has always been one of my favourite songwriters and performers, and I've revered his music ever since I was old enough to listen to it. A unique character, who went his own way in his own time.

Apart from the well-known stuff he did, my heart leaps whenever I play his "Tennessee Blues" from the eponymous "Bobby Charles" album, and - for my money - the tracks he recorded with The Band for The Last Waltz concert (never made it on the film or on film) are filled with everything that made him wonderful.

RIP (in tears).

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Eric Armstrong
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 02:41 PM

A uniquely talented songwriter.Although his name may not be widely known, his music brought pleasure to millions.
"somewhere I could sleep with nothing but peace and feel free at all times"

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 02:56 PM

I always thought "Tennessee Blues" was a Kris Kerstofferson number. Will I just went and had a look on You Tube. You do a fine job with it.
Sympathies to all his love ones.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 03:01 PM

Thanks Adrien - I did the recording around 3 years ago. There was virtually nothing by him on YouTube at that time, and I just wanted there to be some sort of Bobby Charles music there. No more than a humble and very small tribute to the master, really.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: michaelr
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 03:15 PM

Will -

are the Last Waltz tracks available anywhere?

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:02 PM

Yes - there's a Band multi-CD box set (or was) which has the Bobby Charles tracks. I don't have it to hand but let me know if you can't trace it and I'll check the exact reference from my copy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: NormanD
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:17 PM

Such a sad loss. One of my musical heroes - he was a great writer and singer. His "Woodstock" album was one of the unsung greats, especially "Small Town Talk".

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:30 PM

I loved hearing Fats doing his "Walking to New Orleans". Was reading his bio an hour back and it said he didn't read or write music. He heard songs and chords in his head and would call by telephone so as to leave melodies on answering machines so he could 'remember' them later. He played NO musical instruments.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:38 PM

Here's some rare modern footage of Bobby recording about a year ago:

Take Back My Country

Note the lovely slide work by the great Sonny Landreth.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: Beer
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 09:07 AM

This sums it up I guess.
ad.



http://chicago.metromix.com/home/article/louisiana-songwriter-bobby-charles/1710999/content

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Charles RIP (January 2010)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 05:36 AM

See You Later Alligator has been with me both as a song - and cathphrase for my grand children - since the 50s. I didn't know until years later that he wrote it. Like some of the above I love Small Town Talk. So sad. RIP Mr. Charles.

Subject: Bobby Charles-Walkin' to New Orleans
From: dwditty
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 08:44 PM

The incredible writer Bobby Charles collapsed at home and died on January 10 in New Orleans. He was 71.

Bobby wrote See You Later Alligator, Walkin' to New Orleans, Angel Eyes, I Don't Know Why I Love You But I Do, and many others. His songs were covered by blues players, country players, pop, and others.
Bobby Charles Obit