B-Side Artist: Charlie Wilson

As one of the most distinguished voices in R&B music, Charlie Wilson needs no introduction. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native and former lead singer of the funkadelic brotherly trio, the GAP Band, is now going two for two with his second solo album on Jive Records, entitled UNCLE CHARLIE. The album was released February 17, 2009 debuting #1 on Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Chart and #2 on the Billboard Pop Chart. This album debut was a career high for Wilson, charting higher than any of his previous projects including GAP Band albums. He currently has two singles in the Top 10 on the Billboard R&B Adult Charts, “There Goes My Baby,” and “Can’t Live With You.”

Once dubbed “the de-facto father of new jack swing,” artists like Aaron Hall and R. Kelly have long paid homage to his characteristic vocal style. Labelmate, Kelly, wrote and produced the hit single, “Charlie Last Name Wilson,” from the gold-certified CD of the same name. From classic R&B GAP Band hits like “Yearning for Your Love” and “Outstanding” to collaborations with Justin Timberlake on “Signs” and Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams on the Grammy nominated track “Beautiful,” Wilson continues embracing contemporary music with his phenomenal vocal style and unique licks.

In 2009 Charlie decided to use his platform as a recording artist to educate his community and fans about prostate cancer. He was diagnosed with this disease in July 2008. While researching the various treatments that were available to him, he was astounded to learn that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 1 in 3 African American men. He is now a spokesman for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Because of his early diagnosis and treatment, Charlie is now cancer free.