Charles Bradley, Menahan Street Band

Biography

Charles Bradley, known as 'The Screaming Eagle of Soul,' was born in Gainesville, Florida in 1948 and raised in Brooklyn, New York after his mother brought him north at age eight. His early life was marked by hardship, including poverty, family instability, and periods of homelessness. Inspired by seeing James Brown at the Apollo Theater in 1962, Bradley began to emulate Brown's dynamic stage presence and vocal style, performing in small clubs and working odd jobs across the United States for decades.

Bradley's career took a remarkable turn late in life. After years as a James Brown impersonator under the name 'Black Velvet,' he was discovered by Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Daptone Records, in the late 1990s. Roth introduced him to guitarist and producer Thomas Brenneck, who led the Menahan Street Band. Their collaboration produced Bradley's debut album, 'No Time For Dreaming,' in 2011, when Bradley was 62. The album, and subsequent releases like 'Victim of Love' and 'Changes,' were lauded for their raw, vintage soul sound and autobiographical lyrics, reflecting Bradley's tumultuous life journey. His powerful, emotive performances and late-blooming success made him a beloved figure in the retro soul revival, earning critical acclaim and a devoted global following.

Bradley’s legacy endures through his recordings with the Menahan Street Band and other Daptone acts, his electrifying live shows, and his story of perseverance and redemption. He became a symbol of hope and authenticity in modern soul music, influencing a new generation of artists and fans before his death in 2017.

Fun Facts

• Bradley released his debut album at age 62, after decades of working as a cook and James Brown impersonator.
• He was known for his emotional, autobiographical songwriting, with tracks like 'Heartaches & Pain' recounting personal tragedies such as his brother's murder.
• Bradley helped physically renovate Daptone’s 'House of Soul' studio, doing construction work himself.
• His cover of Black Sabbath’s 'Changes' became one of his signature songs, praised for its soulful reinterpretation.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• James Brown - Bradley was profoundly inspired by Brown's performance at the Apollo Theater in 1962, shaping his vocal style and stage presence. (Imitated Brown as 'Black Velvet' in clubs; stylistic influence on all Bradley's work) [1962–2017]

Key Collaborators

• Menahan Street Band - Primary backing band and songwriting collaborators on all major albums. (No Time For Dreaming, Victim of Love, Changes) [2007–2017]
• Thomas Brenneck - Producer, guitarist, and songwriter; key creative partner and member of Menahan Street Band. (All studio albums) [2007–2017]
• Daptone Records artists (e.g., Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Budos Band) - Labelmates and frequent collaborators in live performances and studio sessions. (Shared tours, Daptone singles, collaborative shows) [2002–2017]

Artists Influenced

• Durand Jones & The Indications - Cited Bradley as an inspiration for their approach to modern soul and emotional performance. (American Love Call, Private Space) [2016–present]
• Leon Bridges - Acknowledged Bradley's influence on his own retro soul style and authenticity. (Coming Home) [2015–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The World (Is Going Up in Flames) (No Time For Dreaming)
2. Queens Highway (The Exciting Sounds of Menahan Street Band)
3. The Traitor (Make the Road By Walking)
4. Heart of Gold (No Time For Dreaming)
5. There's a New Day Coming
6. How Long (No Time For Dreaming)
7. Home Again (Make the Road By Walking)
8. No Time for Dreaming (No Time For Dreaming)
9. Every Day a Dream (The Crossing)
10. Victim of Love (Victim of Love)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia