He began his singing career at the age of 15, when his father bought him a guitar for his birthday. By the time he was in his early 20's he was singing in most of Chicago's "Saloons" and honky-tonks...regularly making visits to the old WLS - Radio Barn Dance to see his favorite entertainers such as Roy Rogers & Gene Autry, who in those days, did live broadcasts!!!During the 40's and 50's, Chuck was busy raising his family, working with his father as a brace-maker. His career was put on hold during these times, except for occasional performances in Europe while serving in the army as a medic. He was a conductor with the army dance band and recorded several tunes at Pathe Studios in Paris, France. He also performed at the Sorbonne in Paris!!
Chuck spent most of the 60's raising his family, putting his singing career on hold, except for an occasional weekend gig to earn some extra cash. The 70s, however, were to open up a whole new career for him when most people were thinking about retirement.
At the age of 54, in the summer of '74, he walked into The Earl Of Old Town, a popular folk venue and did an open mike. He was such a success that owner Earl Pionke made him a regular performer with such greats as Bonnie Koloc, John Prine, and the late Steve Goodman, who penned "City of New Orleans." He went on to record here and in Nashville and played the club circuit around Chicago. He made numerous appearances in Nashville, playing the popular Bluebird Cafe!!
Chuck remained active in the music scene until his stroke in 1996. We wanted to remember him with some of his favorite tunes, contained in this CD. It contains tunes from the 40's and 50s, and "Blue Side of Lonesome", a top-20 hit for Chuck in the Midwest. This song was originally a hit by the late Jim Reeves in the early 60's. Jim was a favorite of Chuck's...and "Pride Goes Before A Fall" was recorded at a Nashville studio owned by Jim Reeve's widow, Mary Reeves, in 1974. Another favorite of Chuck's was "Green Door", a great tune from the late 50's by Jim Lowe!!
We hope you enjoy the music. We bring it to you with great pride and joy. As an extra bonus, we have included two Christmas songs..."The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot"...which was the "B" side of Nat King Cole's "Christmas Song"...and..."Just An Old Christmas Card"...another Jim Reeves Christmas classic!!
