Music and Storytelling have always been a vital part of Charles' life.
However, despite growing up in the shadows of the Grand Ole Opry and country music in Nashville, a grandmother who insisted upon teaching him church hymns as a child, and being surrounded by a buffet of characters and self-proclaimed griots and narrators in the community, Charles never aspired to be a performing artist. He dreamed of one day playing professional football. After graduating college, Charles worked out for several NFL scouts as defensive back and kick return specialist. Despite his valiant efforts and persistence he was neither drafted nor selected as a free agent and pursued a career in Corporate America. After two successful years as a marketing and sales representative with IBM, Charles left to spearhead a regional office of another large company. A year from the date he started, the company released him.
It wasn't until a friend saw his potential as a performing artist and entertainer that Charles' love for music and the stage began to unfold. In July1996, led by his intuition, Charles left the comforts of living in the South for the bright lights of Broadway and the ˜Big Apple”. He moved to New York with $400 in his pocket and a heart full of dreams, knowing that something greater was awaiting his arrival.
Charles has starred in some of the most celebrated and spectacular productions in American theatre history including Jesus Christ Superstar, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and the Lion King. He was the first African-American to play the role of ˜Rocky” in the European tour of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He adds guest starring and lead roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, All My Children, Anne B. Real, the award winning independent film (Universal Home Video), and the thought provoking comedy, Ed’s Trip. For the past eight seasons, he has received national acclaim and rave reviews for his 20-character portrayal and performance of his one-man stage play Black Boy, based on the life of noted author Richard Wright. He has entertained and enlightened sold-out audiences on some of the country’s most prestigious college and university campuses and top national venues, including The John F. Kennedy Center, and Rikers Island Correctional Facility.
He is currently penning, “What Aunt Creasie Said”, a one-man play with music based on his life growing up in the South and as an entertainer. In the Fall 2009 he will tour his highly anticipated one-man show, “The Smoke King”, based on the life of W.E.B. Du Bois. He is co-creating, with Dr. Michael Beckwith, a one-man stage presentation based on the life of George Washington Carver. He will soon begin touring regional theatres with his most recent work, “America, The Black, The Beautiful”, a one-man play with original music and multimedia.
Charles hosts seminars and workshop on campuses around the country. He is the recipient of the 2006 BSA Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award for his outstanding loyalty and dedication to his alma mater, Rhodes College, and the greater good of the world community.
Charles is a recording artist, signed with (AMI) Agape Media International. His debut album, "I Am" is an eclectic crafting of songs anchored in love, healing and freedom. His gift of song continues to be embraced by listeners around the world.
Charles' autobiographical landmark, The Voice That Matters, about his journey in finding his own unique voice will be published in 2009.
.jpg "Photo of David York, PhD.")
