Encouraged by his father to play the guitar, Gracie's musical career started at the very early age of 14 when he appeared on the Paul Whiteman television show. Gracie performed at weddings, local restaurants, and parties, and on local radio and television. He also won many regional talent contests. The little money and prizes he received were turned over to his mother to help support the family.
The owner of Cadillac Records heard one of Gracie's early radio performances, contacted the young musician and signed him to a contract. This association yielded 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 "American Bandstand" television program. (This was four years before Dick Clark became the host)
After cutting two more singles for Cadillac, Gracie moved on to 20th Century Records, a subsidiary of Gotham, where he put out another four sides, including Wildwood Boogie. The discs he made embraced a wide variety of styles: jump blues, gospel, and country boogie with the influences of Big Joe Turner, B.B. King, Louis Jordan, Roy Acuff, and Hank Williams.
Between 1951-53, Gracie was experimenting with many types of music, years before many rock heroes had ever set foot inside a recording studio.
By 1956, Philadelphia had given birth to the new Cameo record label. Its founders, in search of a strong talent signed Gracie later that year. With a $600 budget, this new union went into the studio to record a single that would forever change their lives. The record, Butterfly backed with Ninety Nine Ways became a monster hit, reaching the number one position all across America. Charlie received a gold disc for the two million plus sales and became the first native Philadelphia rock star to achieve international success. Other substantial sellers followed: Fabulous, Wandering Eyes, and Cool Baby. The financial success of these hits bankrolled the Cameo label, which became a dominant force in the recording industry for several years.
Gracie's personal appearances grew until he performed and headlined some of the biggest venues of that time: Alan Freed's rock and roll shows at the Brooklyn Paramount, The Ed Sullivan Show, Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" and the 500 Club in Atlantic City. He appeared in the 1957 film Jamboree, and toured with the likes of Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers, Bo Diddley and his close friend, Eddie Cochran.
Gracie became only the second American, guitar-toting rock and roller to bring this new art form to the British concert stage. His two extensive tours in 1957 and 58 were a whirlwind, topped off by headlining the Palladium and the Hippodrome in London. He played to packed houses and drew rave reviews. In the audiences, among Charlie's fans and admirers, were future rock greats: Graham Nash, members of the Beatles and Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker and Van Morrison. These performers and many other well-known acts have credited Charlie as an influence. George Harrison referred to Charlie's guitar technique as "brilliant" in a March 1996 interview with Billboard Magazine; Paul McCartney invited Charlie to the premiere party of his 1999 release which paid tribute to the early pioneers of rock music.
Gracie found himself somewhat miscast at Cameo. He moved on to other labels such as Coral, Roulette, Felsted, and Diamond, performing more of the R&B he preferred. Even if success slowed, Gracie' continued to perform in clubs, theaters, and resorts through the 1990s.
Gracie's pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Gracie was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame on November 16, 2012, at the Hilton City Avenue, Philadelphia.
In 2019, Gracie toured the UK with Marty Wilde along with Mike Berry, Nancy Ann Lee and the Wildcats.
Fabulous
Charlie Gracie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was crazy for you
But now I know
You thrill me so
If this is love, it's fabulous.
Your lips close to mine
I get chills up my spin
I thrill so much
If this is love, it's fabulous.
Well, I've read in the book
About love and it's charms
But I never knew
'Til I held you in my arms,
When I hold you tight
I know, I know I'm right
'Cause only you
Can do what you do
If this is lover, it's fabulous.
The song "Fabulous" by Charlie Gracie is a classic love song about the feeling of being in love. The singer conveys how he has always known that he was crazy for his lover but now he realizes that she thrills him like no one else could. He experiences a rush of emotions when he is close to her, his lips close to hers, and he feels chills up his spine. He feels an electric sensation every time they touch, and he believes that this kind of love is fabulous.
The song is written in a simple and poetic way that conveys the intensity of emotions felt in the moment. The lyrics use the metaphor of a book to describe how the singer had read about love in the past but never really understood it until he held his lover in his arms. The song highlights the thrill and excitement of love and how it makes the singer feel alive. The repetitive use of the word "fabulous" reinforces the feeling of being in love and how it can be an exceptional and wonderful experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I always knew
I have always had a feeling that I was attracted to you.
I was crazy for you
My attraction towards you was intense and compelling.
But now I know
I have confirmed my feelings for you.
You thrill me so
Being with you excites me and fills me with joy.
If this is love, it's fabulous.
Our relationship is amazing and wonderful if it is true love.
Your lips close to mine
Our physical closeness and intimacy make me feel alive.
I get chills up my spin
Being so close to you gives me goosebumps all over my body.
And when we touch
Our physical contact intensifies my feelings towards you.
I thrill so much
Being with you fills me with excitement and happiness.
Well, I've read in the book
I have knowledge about love from reading books.
About love and it's charms
Books describe the appealing aspects of love.
But I never knew
Despite this knowledge, I lacked experience with true love.
Til I held you in my arms,
My true understanding of love came when I held you intimately.
When I hold you tight
Hugging you makes everything feel right.
I know, I know I'm right
I am certain that we are meant to be together.
'Cause only you
Out of all people, only you can make me feel this special.
Can do what you do
Your unique qualities and actions make our love special.
If this is love, it's fabulous.
Our relationship is amazing and wonderful if it is true love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: K, HARRY (P LAND, A BERNIE LOWE), JON SHELDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Richard Grasso
My friend Charlie Gracie passed away a couple of days ago! Charlie was a great guy who never spoke ill of anyone! Paul McCartney loved him too! Our thoughts and prayers are now with his wife Joan, another beautiful person who Charles loved deeply! Hey Guy! We'll see You again! Much Love, Richie Grasso
Ava Porter
This is the first time I have heard his music and wow! Amazing! 💯💯 💯 Very sorry he has gone and pray he's resting in joy and music🕊️🙏🏼🕊️
Harry Bateman
Sad , sad news Charlie has passed away , he was a great singer , entertainer and a lovely guy ! Deepest sympathy to his family he will be missed by everyone that ever met him , R. I. P 😢♥️🎶 thanks for the music and wonderful memories.
Slappin A Fisherman
RIP Charlie. I will always listen to your music. Itˋs fabulous.
John Burton
I used to play " butterfly" and "wandering eyes" on my old record player and loved to sing along. glad to know he,s still performing!!
Chris Rushforth
I saw Charlie Gracie maybe 20 years ago, I have always loved this song and the B side Butterfly. When I saw him I hadn't realised he was such a fantastic guitar player too. RIP Charlie You're 'Fabulous'
dwpete100
.....saw Charlie at the Doowop Weekend last April...he was his unbelievable self as a performer and person.....will miss him!!!!!! RIP!!!!
Richard Denne
I always thought this dude was Elvis back then. Fate and Fame is fickle. Charlie was just Fab. Great artist!!!!!!!
Jim Burrows
Strange pilgrimage for this guy. He recorded three years before Elvis, in 1951, yes, 1951, had a normal looking voice, but was fantastic guitarrist, but then in 1957, he reappeared again as Elvis...LOL
John Scargall
Met Charlie a few years back, great guy and phenomenal performer.