Biography
Rockie Charles, born Alfred Charles Merrick on November 14, 1942, in Boothville, Louisiana, learned guitar from his father, Earlington Merrick, a traveling bluesman who performed in segregated juke joints. His family relocated to New Orleans when he was 13, where he competed in talent contests alongside emerging artists like Ernie K-Doe and Aaron Neville. Dropping out of high school, Charles worked as a tugboat captain for decades while staying active in music, recording singles and backing southern soul icons such as O.V. Wright, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, and Little Johnny Taylor.[1][2][5][6]
Charles earned the nickname 'President of Soul' from his early 1970s hit of the same name and released his debut full-length album Born For You in 1996, produced by Carlo Ditta of Orleans Records after Charles placed an ad in a local magazine. The album blended blues and New Orleans soul, featuring his versatile voice shifting from baritone to falsetto, funk guitar, Hammond B-3 organ, and original compositions like 'Old Black Joel' and 'I Like to Make Love When It’s Pouring Down Rain.' He later released I Want First Class before his death.[1][3]
Known for a style rooted in blues but expanded with soul, funk, and diverse influences from his backing work, Charles's music evoked Hi Records and Stax vibes while showcasing his guitar prowess and emotional depth. He passed away on March 12, 2010, in New Orleans at age 67, leaving a legacy as a hidden gem of southern soul rediscovered late in life.[1][2][3]
Fun Facts
- Competed in New Orleans talent contests as a teen against future stars Ernie K-Doe and Aaron Neville.[1]
- Worked full-time as a tugboat captain for decades while pursuing music on the side.[1]
- Earned the nickname 'President of Soul' from his early 1970s hit single of the same name.[3]
- His 1996 album Born For You took two years to complete and was re-released on vinyl in 2017.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Earlington Merrick - Father who taught him guitar (None specified) [Childhood, pre-1950s]
Key Collaborators
- O.V. Wright - Backing band member (Live performances and recordings) [1960s-1970s]
- Percy Sledge - Backing band member (Live performances and recordings) [1960s-1970s]
- Otis Redding - Backing band member (Live performances and recordings) [1960s]
- Little Johnny Taylor - Backing band member (Live performances and recordings) [1960s-1970s]
- Carlo Ditta - Producer for debut album (Born For You (1996)) [1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Born for You | 1996-12-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Festis Believe in Justice (Born for You)
- I Just Called to Wish You a Merry Christmas (Born for You)
- Born for You (Born for You)
- Don't Let Me Go (The Orleans Records Story)
- Old Black Joel (Born for You)
- Oh My Darling, Look What You're Doing to Me (Born for You)
- Please Tell Me It Aint So (Born for You)
- Something Is Wrong with Our Love (Born for You)
- I Need Your Love so Bad, I'm About to Loose My Mind (Born for You)
- Don't Let Me Go (Born for You)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
ROCKIE CHARLES has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 14:39 | I JUST CALLED TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMASfrom BORN FOR YOU | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |