Bio
Download PDF Starting Out
Charles Davis Biography
Robert Charles Davis was born April 22, 1953, in Jackson Mississippi. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1963-just when Motown began making a name for itself.
His family loved music so it was quite natural for him to share that love, inspired by groups such as The Temptation, The Four Tops, The Originals, and The Dells, Charles and his brothers Moses and Leonard (Pee Wee), and a few friends started a group known as The Chosen Few. They performed locally and, after winning a talent show in 1972, the group turned professional. Within weeks, Charles brother Moses was killed by street violence, and by 1974 the group broke up.
After stints in both the United States Navy & Army, Charles returned to the states. He started a day job and night school, but still managed to perform.
While singing with some friends, Charles was introduced to Martin (Bennie) Upshire who, at that time, was the lead singer for The Contours. They became good friends. In 1984 there was an opening in the group and Bennie invited Charles to audition. Much to his excitement, he passed the audition and found himself sharing the stage with Joe Billingslea and Sylvester Potts original members of The Contours was his inspirations as a young man.
Charles had performed with The Contours for 34 yrs. In addition, as a solo artist, Charles performs hits by his favorite artists and songs he has written and recorded himself.
Along the Way:
Awards Inducted into The 2015 Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame with The Contours and Shades of Blue Nominated for Best R&B Male Artist Vocalist for 2013 by (The Detroit Black Music Awards) The Smokey Robinsons Heroes and Legends Award Gold and Platinum Records for participation on The Dirty Dancing Tour Nominated for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Contours Distinguished Achievement Award for The Contours at the 2000 Detroit Music Awards Inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame of America, 2010 Motown Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award Spirit of Detroit Award. Charles has received from The State Of Michigan "2019 DMBA Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree and 2019 Detroit Black Music Awards.
Performances:
Shared the stage with such legends as The Temptations, Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves and The Original Vandellas, The Drifters, The Platters, The Four Tops, The Miracles, Ben E. King and many, many more.
Performed at the MGM Grand, Greek Town and Motor City Casino in Detroit, The Dirty Dancing in Concert Tour (9 foreign countries, 48 states 186 cities). Charles filled in for Bobby Rogers of The Miracles for 30 days in Berlin. He has graced the stage with Ali Woodsen as The Emperors of Soul in Manila.
Performs as a solos artist in the Detroit surrounding areas. Charles was also The Master of Ceremony for The Motown 50 Australia 30 days Tour.
The Road Ahead:
Charles continues to work with, The Shades of Blue in addition to focusing on his own solo career.
Musical Performances
He is available to perform for different events- from casinos, restaurants, nightclubs and bars to corporate events, weddings and birthday parties.
Charles is able to perform a variety of music, Ballads, R&B, Classic, County, Blues, Motown and Gospel with songs by artists like Brooke Benton, Luther Vandross and Sam Cook are all part of his collection.
Charles can perform with his band, The Crew, or alone with pre-recorded tracks.
Charles tribute show to the late, great, Lou Rawls and Barry White is also a fan favorite.
Charles Davis Biography
Robert Charles Davis was born April 22, 1953, in Jackson Mississippi. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1963-just when Motown began making a name for itself.
His family loved music so it was quite natural for him to share that love, inspired by groups such as The Temptation, The Four Tops, The Originals, and The Dells, Charles and his brothers Moses and Leonard (Pee Wee), and a few friends started a group known as The Chosen Few. They performed locally and, after winning a talent show in 1972, the group turned professional. Within weeks, Charles brother Moses was killed by street violence, and by 1974 the group broke up.
After stints in both the United States Navy & Army, Charles returned to the states. He started a day job and night school, but still managed to perform.
While singing with some friends, Charles was introduced to Martin (Bennie) Upshire who, at that time, was the lead singer for The Contours. They became good friends. In 1984 there was an opening in the group and Bennie invited Charles to audition. Much to his excitement, he passed the audition and found himself sharing the stage with Joe Billingslea and Sylvester Potts original members of The Contours was his inspirations as a young man.
Charles had performed with The Contours for 34 yrs. In addition, as a solo artist, Charles performs hits by his favorite artists and songs he has written and recorded himself.
Along the Way:
Awards Inducted into The 2015 Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame with The Contours and Shades of Blue Nominated for Best R&B Male Artist Vocalist for 2013 by (The Detroit Black Music Awards) The Smokey Robinsons Heroes and Legends Award Gold and Platinum Records for participation on The Dirty Dancing Tour Nominated for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Contours Distinguished Achievement Award for The Contours at the 2000 Detroit Music Awards Inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame of America, 2010 Motown Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award Spirit of Detroit Award. Charles has received from The State Of Michigan "2019 DMBA Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree and 2019 Detroit Black Music Awards.
Performances:
Shared the stage with such legends as The Temptations, Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves and The Original Vandellas, The Drifters, The Platters, The Four Tops, The Miracles, Ben E. King and many, many more.
Performed at the MGM Grand, Greek Town and Motor City Casino in Detroit, The Dirty Dancing in Concert Tour (9 foreign countries, 48 states 186 cities). Charles filled in for Bobby Rogers of The Miracles for 30 days in Berlin. He has graced the stage with Ali Woodsen as The Emperors of Soul in Manila.
Performs as a solos artist in the Detroit surrounding areas. Charles was also The Master of Ceremony for The Motown 50 Australia 30 days Tour.
The Road Ahead:
Charles continues to work with, The Shades of Blue in addition to focusing on his own solo career.
Musical Performances
He is available to perform for different events- from casinos, restaurants, nightclubs and bars to corporate events, weddings and birthday parties.
Charles is able to perform a variety of music, Ballads, R&B, Classic, County, Blues, Motown and Gospel with songs by artists like Brooke Benton, Luther Vandross and Sam Cook are all part of his collection.
Charles can perform with his band, The Crew, or alone with pre-recorded tracks.
Charles tribute show to the late, great, Lou Rawls and Barry White is also a fan favorite.
