About Charles

Charles began playing his Grandfather’s ukulele at a very early age. Learning many of the “old time” songs, and singing was a family tradition. Charles began studying guitar at age 11, formally, for three years, then informally, ever since. Growing up in Bayonne, NJ, New York City and Washington Square was just across the river. The folk-singers and musicians who were there every weekend were a big influence.

During high school, in Rochester, NY, Charles played guitar and banjo in just about every “hootenanny”, coffee house and venue he could find. Charles was greatly influenced by “The Kingston Trio”, and all the other folk groups of this era, also of course, “Dylan” and the “Beatles”.

While in the military, Charlie performed everywhere he was stationed. Settling, in the Maryland suburbs in 1971, Charlie played banjo in all the old Shakey’s sing-along venues, and guitar and banjo in many Dixieland bands. Performing solo in restaurants, coffee houses, church, assisted living homes, private parties and street performing, Charlie has acquired a very large repertoire of songs and styles.

For approximately 15 years, Charlie has been composing music and lyrics with over 100 copyrighted songs and instrumentals to date and has been showcased by the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW). Entertaining with guitar, harmonica, ukulele and banjo has been his passion! Recently, Charlie and guitarist Allan Young formed the duo “The Only Two.”