Reviewed by Dave Brassington

This is the autobiography of the popular singer/songwriter from Liverpool. Even if you don't know much about him, it's an interesting read full of humour and anecdotes about people he has met on his journey to stardom. For those not familiar with Charlie, he is a fine singer and a genuine nice guy who spent 20 odd years playing the clubs of his local Birkenhead area before he was "discovered", ironically in Ireland on the back of a lovely song he had written about a blind girl called "What Colour Is The Wind". This led on to a proper record deal and a touring schedule that keeps him very busy to this day, even finding popularity in Australia, a country he has come to love. I first came across Charlie one afternoon at The Best Of British event being held at the Wembley Conference Centre as part of the old Wembley Country Music Festival. I was enraptured by some of his ballads like "I Will Love You All My Life" and "Heaven Knows" and have followed his career with much interest ever since to this present day when he regularly tours the country with his own band. I particularly enjoyed the chapter Enter Charlie The Feet as I well remember him playing guitar backing pedals in bright red socks having cast his shoes to one side! Whilst I knew he had been in the army I found the run up to the Cuban missile crisis very interesting. Charlie says he was based in Germany at the time and for a few days it seemed war with Russia was inevitable and they were all at battle stations and he admits to being truly terrified! Throughout the book Charlie's Christian faith comes through strongly, as is evidenced when he poignantly describes when he and his dear wife Thelma lost a son, in fact there is a whole chapter devoted to his faith. It is for a gospel song "My Forever Friend" that Charlie has perhaps become best known (apart from his long hair!). A book I really enjoyed and recommend as a good read.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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