Charles Grigsby

Early Life: The youngest of six siblings, Charles William Grigsby, Jr. was born in Oberlin, Ohio. His life as a performer goes back to childhood: His entire family being musically inclined, helped fuel his passion for song. As a teenager, Charles would use two cassette recorders to lay down multiple tracks of his own voice, harmonizing to the songs he memorized. Constantly looking to hone his skills, he would find "pick up" jam sessions with anyone willing to play and sing. In high school, he joined the school choir to aid in his study of singing mechanics.

The youngest of six siblings, Charles William Grigsby, Jr. was born in Oberlin, Ohio. His life as a performer goes back to childhood: His entire family being musically inclined, helped fuel his passion for song. As a teenager, Charles would use two cassette recorders to lay down multiple tracks of his own voice, harmonizing to the songs he memorized. Constantly looking to hone his skills, he would find "pick up" jam sessions with anyone willing to play and sing. In high school, he joined the school choir to aid in his study of singing mechanics. He grew up listening to such acts as Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Donell Jones, Brian McKnight, Marvin Gaye, Boyz II Men and Take 6, all of whom influenced his vocal style.

American Idol:

In 2003, being determined to follow his dreams, Charles found himself in Detroit standing in line at the auditions of Fox's American Idol. The second season was gearing up as nearly 70,000 contestants auditioned with the hopes of becoming the next great superstar. Charles excelled amidst the contest pressures in Hollywood and stepped up his game. He took center stage and belted out a flawless rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed." The performance garnered him the most votes from the viewers, securing him as the first of the twelve finalists.

Discovery:

Ziggy Gonzalez (Founder of Cityboyz Music Ltd.) discovered Grigsby at a New York release party in 2005. After being swept away by the melody in Grigsby's voice, Gonzalez signed, sealed, and advanced Grigsby further along into the music industry. In July of the same year, Charles released an EP self-titled that consists of six tracks: "5 W's", "Those Loving Eyes", "Tell Me", "That Coulda Been Me", "After Party" and a revised version of Peter Frampton's "Baby I Love Your Way".

A new way:

In 2008, Charles eventually reoriented his music field and joined the group ?Croonerz?, which specializes in a diverse style of genres ranging from Motown, 60's, 70's Funk, R&B, Classic Rock, Top 40, etc. and performed in local venues across northeast Ohio.

In September 2010, Grigsby broadened his vast scope of music by performing as a lead vocalist in the band "Centric". They entertained the guests of Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya, Thailand with their blend of Pop, Rock, R&B, Dance, Hip-Hop and other funky sounds for six months. (http://www.tivarati.com/news/100438)

Up-to-date

Charles returned to the US in March 2011 and focused on writing and composing his original music. The long days and late nights in the studio have paid off, and the television audience of WJW Fox 8 Cleveland News in the morning were treated to the first live performance of ?Headliner?, the signature track on his upcoming new album. (www.fox8.com/videobeta/f79943d0-7728-4a5f-ad39-970de14487ee/Entertainment/American-Idol-Finalist-Charles-Grigsby)

Starting September 1st 2011, an MP3 download of the Single ?Headliner? will be available on Apple iTunes, Amazon Mp3, 7Digital, Tradebit, GreatIndieMusic, CD Baby and Verizon for only $0.99. Visit www.reverbnation.com/charlesgrigsby for up to date info, free music downloads, new pictures and videos.

A FREE benefit concert featuring Grigsby, will be held at The First Church in Oberlin on Sunday, September 11 @ 4 p.m. There is no admission to attend. We ask that attendees consider a heartfelt donation to assist with fundraising for the construction of the ?Oberlin Underground Railroad Center?. For more information about the concert and the Oberlin Underground Railroad Center project visit: (www.cityofoberlin.com/CityManager/UndergroundRailroadCenterProject.page)

Final Word:

"I just wanna be happy! Seriously, making it big on the music scene is a huge dream for me, but if I'm not happy with my life and with myself, it won't really mean much." ---Charles Grigsby 2003 (http://www.myspace.com/charliegrigsby)