![]() ![]() Gracie had his first smash hit, “Butterfly,” in 1957, topping both the American and British charts, selling over 3 million copies. Gracie, not only blew the socks off of everyone whenever he performed, locally and nationally, but he was a 1950s rock ‘n’ roll pioneer. A young Charlie Gracie, South Philadelphia Class of 1952, hit instant stardom with his hits “Butterfly” and “Fabulous.” He proved to be talented, almost from the moment he put his first guitar in his hands at about age 10. ![]() ![]() King, Louis Jordan, Roy Acuff and Hank Williams.Ĭharlie made appearances on both the Paul White Teen Club on ABC that originated out of WFIL and the Horn and Hardart’s Children’s Hour from WCAU radio and television. The discs that he made embraced a variety of styles, including jump blues, gospel, and country boogie with the influences of Big Joe Turner, B.B. Young Gracie recorded the single, “Boogie Woogie Blues,” backed with “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter.” The record led to Gracie’s first appearance on Bob Horn’s Bandstand television program, then a local TV program on WFIL-TV, Channel 6 in Philadelphia.Īfter cutting two more singles for Cadillac, “Rockin´ ´n´ Rollin´” being one of the titles, Gracie moved on to 20th Century Records where he put out another four sides. The owner of Cadillac Records, Graham Prince, heard one of Gracie’s early radio performances, contacted the young musician and signed him to a recording contract. His father bought him his first guitar in a pawn shop on South Street when he was just a young boy. (COURTESY PHOTO) Charlie’s storyĬharles Anthony Graci was born in 1936 in South Philly. He continued to perform, throughout his life, for fans locally and around the world. As only a young man, Charlie Gracie’s smash hits, “Butterfly” and “Fabulous” shot him into superstardom, with tours in the U.S. Six months later, the posthumous tributes and recognitions of the late entertainer haven’t slowed down, as fans, friends and colleagues continue to come to grips with losing a beloved superstar, who, according to all who knew him, was not only an extremely talented entertainer, but a humble, genuinely nice person.Ĭharlie touched countless fans with his 71-year music career, as well as his friendliness and his kindness to all he encountered. In addition to heartfelt messages of sympathy from Charlie Gracie’s thousands of friends, musical peers and fans in the Philadelphia area, cards, notes, flowers and food poured in from around the country and overseas, including sympathetic video messages from Paul McCartney, Graham Nash, Van Morrison and a host of other celebrities who called Charlie Gracie their friend and inspiration. and daughter, Angela, all residents of Delaware County. 16, condolences began pouring in from around the world for the Gracie family: Charlie’s wife, Joan son, Charlie Gracie Jr. GLEN MILLS - As soon as word began spreading about rock ‘n’ roll legend Charlie Gracie’s death on Dec. ![]()
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