Charles Kent ‘Charlie’ Wilson (born January 29, 1953) is an American R&B/soul singer and the lead vocalist for the Gap Band.
Biography
He was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At age 3, he was taught to sing in church which led the way for him to sing in his junior high school’s choir, which was a precursor to his musical career with The Gap Band and later his solo career.
According to the Gap Band’s website, he is sometimes colloquially known as “Uncle Charlie”. This name was given to him by rapper Snoop Dogg[1], with whom he is good friends.
Wilson has released multiple solo albums. 2000’s Bridging the Gap produced the Top 40 R&B hit “Without You”, and his most recent, Charlie Last Name: Wilson in fall 2005, with production from such hitmakers as R. Kelly, Kaygee and Tramp and The Platinum Brothers. Wilson also appeared on The Biggie Duets alongside R. Kelly on the song “Mi Casa”. He has worked with Snoop Dogg many times, the first time being on Snoop’s 1996 album Tha Doggfather, on which he appeared on four songs: “Doggfather”, “Snoop Bounce”, “Groupie”, and “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head”. He was also featured on the single “Beautiful” (along with Pharrell) from Snoop’s 2002 album Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss. Later, Wilson appeared on “Signs” (alongside Justin Timberlake) and “Perfect”, both songs from Snoop’s 2004 album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta) The Masterpiece. He was also later on Ego Trippin’, the 2008 album by Snoop Dogg, on the songs “SD is Out” and “Can’t Say Goodbye”. Charlie Wilson also appeared on Mystikal’s Ghetto Fabulous album in 1998 and {two songs on UGK’s 2007 Underground Kingz album: “Quit Hatin’ the South” and “How Long Can It Last”. Charlie Wilson appeared in Snoop Doog’s 1996 video “Snoops Upside Ya Head” (contains a GAP Band sample and hook from “”I Don’t Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oopps upside your head)”
Wilson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2005. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early, so Wilson was able to begin treatment immediately.
