All about this artist
Biography:
Born Charles Wilson, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. The lead vocalist with soul/funk outfit the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson has also enjoyed a notable sideline career as a session singer and solo artist. The Gap Band, formed by Wilson and his brothers Ronnie and Robert, enjoyed a string of major R&B hits during the 80s, including the chart-toppers "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)", "Early In The Morning", "Outstanding" and "All Of My Love", and despite a decline in their commercial fortunes continued to record and tour into the new millennium.
During this period Wilson was a constant presence in the studio as a session vocalist, appearing on cuts by Zapp, the Eurythmics, Quincy Jones, Master P, Mia X, and Mystikal.
He also collaborated extensively with his nephew Snoop Dogg, appearing on the bestselling 1996 album Doggfather and later hits including "Beautiful" and "Signs" (with Justin Timberlake). His strong baritone was also a notable influence on the new jack swing singers of the late 80s and early 90s, with Aaron Hall and later R.
Kelly in particular paying close attention to his vocal style. Despite ongoing personal problems, Wilson launched his solo career in 1992 with the MCA release You Turn My Life Around. The commercial failure of the album led the singer back to the sanctity of the Gap Band, and it was 2000 before he attempted another solo recording.
The contemporary sounding Bridging The Gap featured guest appearances from younger artists including Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Case, Angie Stone, and Marc Nelson.
The 2005 follow-up Charlie, Last Name Wilson found Wilson working with a number of leading urban producers, most notably R. Kelly, while Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake also showed up to help out on a couple of tracks. The album reached the US Top 10 at the end of the year.
