Charles Bradley

Date of Birth: November 5, 1948

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 23, 2017

Biography

Charles Bradley was an American singer known for his powerful voice and emotive performances. Born Charles Edward Bradley on November 5, 1948, in Gainesville, Florida, he was raised in poverty, facing numerous hardships throughout his life. He spent much of his early years in Brooklyn, New York, after running away from home at the age of 14. Bradley discovered his passion for music after seeing James Brown perform at the Apollo Theater, which inspired him to pursue a career as a musician. Bradley worked various jobs to support himself, including as a cook, while performing in small venues under different stage names. His big break came in his 60s when he was discovered by Gabriel Roth of Daptone Records. Bradley’s debut album, “No Time for Dreaming,” was released in 2011 and received critical acclaim for its raw emotion and authentic soul sound. He went on to release two more albums, “Victim of Love” in 2013 and “Changes” in 2016, both of which solidified his place in the contemporary soul scene. Despite achieving fame later in life, Bradley’s music touched the hearts of many, and he became known as the “Screaming Eagle of Soul.” His life story, marked by struggles and triumphs, was documented in the film “Charles Bradley: Soul of America.” Bradley passed away on September 23, 2017, after a battle with stomach cancer, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music that continues to inspire.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Bradley

1. Charles Bradley worked as a James Brown impersonator under the name “Black Velvet” before his solo career took off.

2. He released his debut album at the age of 62, proving that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

3. Bradley’s song “Changes,” a cover of Black Sabbath’s ballad, became one of his most popular tracks, showcasing his ability to transform and reinterpret music across genres.

4. His life story was the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary, “Charles Bradley: Soul of America,” which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2012.

5. Bradley’s music often drew from his personal experiences of hardship, loss, and resilience, making his performances deeply authentic and moving.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Bradley

1. “I want to give people something they can believe in.”

2. “When I sing, I just pour my soul out.”

3. “You’re never too old to make your dreams come true.”

4. “I’ve been through a lot of pain in my life, and I put it all in my music.”

5. “Love is what makes the world go round.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his passing, Charles Bradley’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Charles Bradley did not have any biological children. However, he often referred to his fans and those he mentored as his “children” in a spiritual and emotional sense.