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"No matter where I go or where I perform, I always do the same show in both music and length. Whether it's a big or small audience, I give them the best show I can."
Charles Edward "Charlie" Daniels was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on October 28, 1936. On Thursday, August 12, 2010 he will perform at The Foundation Theatre at Isothermal Community College here in Rutherford County. What an opportunity - a once in a lifetime - to be able to see this amazing talent of 52 years, in person!
A long overdue recognition was accorded to Charlie Daniels when he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 24, 2008. When I spoke with Charlie, he said it was "one of the biggest honors of my life."
I was fortunate enough when Charlie took the time to speak with me about his career. The one-on-one interview I had with him was very insightful. I asked him what was the most important thing in his personal as well as professional life. He answered without hesitation: "Personally, it's Jesus Christ, my wife, son, grandchildren and being born in America! Professionally, it's being able to 'climb the mountain' to achieve and keep going no matter what. You just have to believe in yourself and that you have something to offer! " This man, this musical giant, has a very focused philosophy about life and his mission. He is gracious, dedicated and a very kind person.
Indicative of his beliefs is the show that he will offer on Thursday, August 12. We're all in for a big treat! This you won't want to miss.
Charlie will do not one, but two performances. There will be no warm-up or opening acts. It will be pure Charlie Daniels and The Charlie Daniels Band. He will perform for almost an hour, then take a break and come back on stage and do another long show. This is probably the biggest bargain which The Foundation has ever offered.
Charlie told me that: "No matter where I go or where I perform, I always do the same show in both music and length. Whether it's a big or small audience, I give them the best show I can."
This singer, guitarist and fiddler is self taught. He began performing in the 1950's. He performs country, southern rock, outlaw country and country rock. He also is a singer-songwriter. In 1979 while in the studio recording an album entitled "Million Mile Reflections" there were two more cuts to be made. They realized that there was no fiddle tune thus far for the album. They took a break and two days later went back into the studio and recorded "The Devil Went Down To Georgia". It is a narrative about the Devil who comes to Georgia to procure souls. The Devil has not obtained any souls lately and is willing to make a deal out of desperation. This results in a challenge between the Devil and a fiddle player named Johnny. When I asked Charlie how it came about, he said "I just had that expression in my mind." He and the band went to work and a few days later had it down. The album entitled "Million Mile Reflections" with "that fiddle tune on it" was released in 1979. To this day it’s his biggest hit and has become an in demand classic.
On Thursday, August 12, it is our not just an opportunity, but more so, our privilege to be able to witness this amazing man and his talents. See you there!
