Nashville-born soul musician Charles “Wigg” Walker has been recording since 1959 and, in the 1960s, was one of the most in-demand soul acts in New York City. Walker has also written songs for Motown records. He’ll perform at The Altamont Theatre on Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. $15 advance/$20 at the door.
Press release from the venue:
The Altamont Theatre is proud to present An Evening with Charles “Wigg” Walker and his band at The Altamont on Saturday May 30th. The band includes Pat Bergeson on guitar who is well known as an extraordinary session and touring guitar player. He’s played with a wide and diverse range of artists including Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, Michael McDonald, Kenny Rogers, Alison Krauss and Bill Frisell to name a few. Doors are at 7pm and showtime is 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available here: https://boxoffice.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38153361
Charles Walker was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 12, 1940. Charles or “Wigg,” as he is known by his friends (his mother nicknamed him when he was born with a full head of hair), began singing at an early age in church and school. He cut his first record in 1959 for Ted Jarrett’s legendary Champion label.
In 1960, Charles moved to New York City where studios and nightclub work were plentiful. 1962 found Charles recording with Chess Records out of Chicago, and soon he signed on as lead singer with the J.C. Davis Band. This band began touring the country opening for the greats of the era including James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, Little Willie John, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke. The J.C. Davis Band recorded some real barnstormers for Chess like “Sweet Sweet Love” and “The Chicken Scratch.”
In 1964, Charles formed his own group, Little Charles and the Sidewinders. They became one of the most in demand soul bands in New York City’s nightclub scene, performing at the Apollo Theater, Small’s Paradise and venturing out to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They subsequently recorded for Chess and Decca labels. The Sidewinders stayed together through the 60’s, and in 1969 Charles cut some sides for Botanic Records. The Sidewinders reformed in 1973 and worked as a show band in hotels, nightclubs, and casinos without the benefit of a recording contract. In 1979, Charles signed on with Motown as a staff writer.
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