Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma USA in 1954, Charles was brought up listening to the big bands, as well as Hank Williams and other country artists. In Tulsa, Charles received his only formal musical training from his Baptist church organist, and at an early age, escaped the sparse music scene in Tulsa through the radio. As a young teen he was influenced by Fats, Motown and Dylan. When the English bands hit, he was led to Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker and the early Blues musicians. At Tulsa's Public Library, he discovered Berio and Varese, along with other 20th century composers. A drummer friend turned him on to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.
Charles left Tulsa in 1974 to pursue his dream of becoming a working musician in New Orleans, and from 1974 to 1986 played with such New Orleans stalwarts as Charles Neville, Wayne Bennett, James Stafford and Antoine Domino.
Charles left New Orleans in 1986 and worked abroad from 1986 to 2006 with Athens, Greece as his home base.
Following Katrina, Charles felt a strong need to return to New Orleans, and has been in NOLA since March of 2006, putting down roots and contributing to the rebuilding of the New Orleans musicial culture. Since returning, Charles has played with Delfeayo Marsalis, Estelle Campagne, Leslie Smith, Uganda Roberts, Tim Green, Jack Cruz, and Wilburt "Junkyard Dog" Arnold, Sid Snow, among others.
Check out Charles and his latest CD Dead Men Tell Tales at Oak Street Cafe', at the corner of Oak and Dublin. Charles plays daily (except Tuesday) from 9:30 A.M. till 2:30 P.M
Discography:
Dead Men Tell Tales - Chuck Farmer Band 2007
Deuces Wild - Farmer/Donovan 2003
In The Shade - Farmer/Donovan/Edwards 2007
©URIrecords 2007
