Charlie Gracie (born Charles Anthony Graci in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, o… Read Full Bio ↴Charlie Gracie (born Charles Anthony Graci in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 14 May 1936; died 17 December 2022) was an American rock pioneer and singer.
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.
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.
The Race
Charlie Gracie Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'The Race' by these artists:
21 Savage & Young Nudy I'm lil' Tay-K, I don't think you want no action…
30 Seconds to Mars You saved my life With blood and through sacrifice The les…
30 Seconds to Mars/Thirty Seconds to Mars You saved my life With blood and through sacrifice The lesso…
30 Seconds To Mars㸤 You saved my life With blood and through sacrifice The les…
A Beauty Initiative Within Focus Oh trust, where have you gone? I used to sing…
Absolum That's what I been, Here's my telephone number Call me..…
Absolum vs C.P.U The sea foam comes in waves on the shoreline blues Every…
Absolum Vs. C.P.U The championship of flying in space Is about to take…
Absolum Vs. C.P.U. The sea foam comes in waves on the shoreline blues Every…
Alien Vs. The Cat I feel tears wellin' up going deep inside Like my heart's…
Arch Enemy I heard there was a plaace Where we're all one race Color,…
Archer Prewitt I don't know what i'm talkin' about I use the same…
Benjamin Cone III and Worship I hear Your voice I know you're calling me To step into…
Blank & Jones You are now listening to Rat Race With Anai Akuei, Blake Dav…
Breanna Barbara Will i turn to stone if this sky doesn't lift or will…
Cajun Dance Party See when I didn't start that was because of my…
Captain Jack Are you ready? Ready for the race? Are you ready? Oh, oh, o…
Caroline Pennell Wake up every morning will it be the same today Same…
Chilly Sitting backstage Just waitin' The minutes are passin' Th…
Christopher De Camptown ladies sing this song, Doo-da, Doo-da. De Campto…
D.Bo Sveglio la matta Metto una tuta e la felpa blu scura L…
Deshawn White I've been oppress I've been depressed Was stuck at the…
DJ X-Change Getting lost in the algorithm You don't know what is missing…
Draper Well, I came down there with my hat caved in Oh…
E-Head Yeah you gotta wait Wait, wait yeah we next getting paid Get…
Ear2000 Time has played a game with me My heart has…
ecstsy CashMoneyAP CashAP got the beat tight The race is beginnin…
Emm Gryner You are not of this world Not of the great dead…
Fónika Now wake up my baby Yoy Know i´m ready This is easy…
Glitterer I could walk across the lawn or not at all I…
Gwenmars Falling dust gives me no rest I never sleep Only doze off…
In Your House Wait a minute In a minute now I can finish Cross the…
J.M.Aboga Long time ago no no see Cause Baby you living overseas All…
kamban [Chorus 1: Xay Hill] Uh, I done went to war a…
Katy Guillen & The Girls With your eyes you will gaze Mysterious I'll say Will you be…
Konkhra There is only six million richer than me With some luck…
Koshi Inaba 秋空の下でみんなで並んで 位置についてよーいドンを聞いて 始まったレースは 今も脈々と続いてる 何を競い 誰と争う? …
Kraftwerk & Yello Shout! (Shout!) Count on me; I'm gonna win the race. Count o…
Kris Kristofferson The race is harder than arithmatic Some will say it can't…
MemoTheMafioso How you hating on these hoes, but you play the…
Milk Inc. I'm not the kind that walks away But in my mind…
Movers It's hard to learn sometimes When it's you and yourself Stuc…
NOA Kidda Love race She been in my head 널 생각해 온종일 난, you cross…
Of David Pig Race Je n’sais plus quoi penser Un peu déconnecté J’ai …
Oh Pep! You started skipping in a running race 5 meters from the…
Phantom Elite 2. THE RACE In this world, this century Come to play and se…
Quandale Dingle Yeah, yeah, haha goofy Ahh Uncle Productions Aye, I know I'm…
Renaissance Around the world he traveled To start the games that he…
Starlight Express CONTROL Heat one. Heat one. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, fi…
Sungaze Caught in the wrong time Displaced in the race Thought I'd h…
T Kay Yah yahaa ha ha Yah yah! I'll do, anything for you if…
Talisco I am in calm I always have the feeling that I…
Tay - K Fuck a beat, I was tryna beat a case But I…
Tay-K 21 Savage & Young Nudy I'm lil' Tay-K, I don't think you want no action…
TAY-K47 Fuck a beat, I was tryna beat a case But I…
The B-Side Dubs Been chasing God I'm just running my race Haters they see…
The Disciples The programming begins when you go to school Eat when we…
The Gladiators You already in the race Don't you give up, your time…
The Hit Crew Well, I came down there with my hat caved in Oh…
The Receiving End of Sirens Second Place to you is the last place I ever…
Thirty Seconds to Mars You saved my life With blood and through sacrifice The lesso…
Victor Young De Camptown ladies sing dis song, doo-dah! doo-dah! De Campt…
W!CKA Hook: we're in the wraith said we're goin too fast yeah play…
Warmen I have walked in the valley of dead And seen the…
West End Orchestra & Singers Well, I came down there with my hat caved in Oh…
Wiz Khalifa Yeah It's nothing new 'Cause this is exactly what I do What …
YBN Nahmir Fuck a beat, I ain't had to beat no case,…
Yearning We ran across frozen mines Sweeping through gates of dawn …
Yello Shout! (Shout!) Count on me; I'm gonna win the race. Count o…
Yello (CH) Shout! (Shout!) Count on me; I'm gonna win the race. Count…
Yello Shout! (Shout!) Count on me; I'm gonna win the race. Count o…
Young Nudy 21 Savage I'm lil' Tay-K, I don't think you want no action…
₪ ø lll ·o. Thirty Seconds to Mars You saved my life With blood and through sacrifice The lesso…
▼30 Seconds To Mars You saved my life With blood and through sacrifice The les…
稲葉浩志 秋空の下でみんなで並んで 位置についてよーいドンを聞いて 始まったレースは 今も脈々と続いてる 何を競い 誰と争う? 数…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Charlie Gracie:
Butterfly (Ah-ah-ah, doo-wop) You tell me you love me, you say you'll…
Fabulous Well I always knew I was crazy for you But now I…
Gotta Travel On I've laid around and played around This old town too long Su…
I Love You So Much It Hurts I love you so much, it hurts me Darling, that's why…
Ninety Nine Ways There must be ninety-nine ways of losin' the blues That I go…
Ninety-Nine Ways There must be ninety-nine ways of losin' the blues That I go…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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David Walsh
Charlie Gracie was a great singer. His music was always catchy and very uplifting. A great performer.
george senosk
been a fan of charlie for years.like to hear songs from old records i never heard before glad a lot of people post them.so many great songs that didn`t go any where.play as many as i can find,and tape them on my cd`s.i made over 1500 cd`s and play them all the time.never get sick of hearing these great songs.
David Chernofsky
we think alike
rockake
Many thanks for posting this great swinging rocker. One of his very best. Charlie´s first on Roulette and released in May 1960. (Roulette 4255). It was revued in Billboard on May, 30 1960 and was given four stars (out of five-Very strong sales potential).
"CHARLIE GRACIE ** The Race — ROULETTE 4255 — Gracie turns in exciting performance on verveful gospel-flavored r.&r. tune which builds. Excellent chorus work on backing."
On Jun 14, 1960 Charlie performed "The Race" on Dick Clark´s American Bandstand. It should have been a millionseller but there is no justice in showbiz. But Charlie is still alive and rocking and that´s the most important thing.
shirley baker
Charlie Was black balled after he sued for his royalities