Hey Girl, how you doin? My name is Charlie last name Wilson.
Happy Friday Cuties!
This has been a slow week on the blog. I’ve snapped out of my funk but I lost my writing mojo. I’m on the train headed to NYC to enjoy some R&R. Who am I kidding, I will be in the streets all hours of the night shopping and hanging with my Blogger Boo’s. That is resting to me, I will eat my heart out and share all the fat snacks with you on the blog next week. To catch me in the moment make sure you follow me on Twitter & Instagram.
Last week Charlie Wilson hit the DMV to share his new book “I am Charlie Wilson”. He was just what my funky attitude needed. Now I will cut a rug to a Charlie Wilson tune and sing real loud and off-key in my truck. But I didn’t know much about his back story. He was in a hit funk band and ended up addicted to alcohol and strung out on drugs. He hit rock bottom as a crackhead and years later got clean and returned to topping the charts again. {He has been clean for 20 years.} That alone should make you want to pick up his new book. Nobody can tell your story like you and he gave it all up in this book.
No, he isn’t my real Uncle but that is how most refer to him. For those reading that are like WTH is Uncle Charlie here is a quick rundown. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer. He has been nominated for a Grammy nine times. He is the co-founder of the iconic funk group, The Gap Band. {You Dropped a Bomb on me, Outstanding} They were out in the 70’s & 80’s after the group he went solo.
For those in the cheap seats, I’ve told you a little about how he got famous. I also gave you a couple of tidbits about his career. What I haven’t told you is just how much he likes to talk with people. He shared with us his truth. I don’t mean the sugar-coated version that makes you think the celebrity life is all glitter and gold. NO! He shared the hardcore I might be ashamed but I’m not because it can help someone truth. It was raw, it was honest but it was refreshing and most of all y’all it was so damn inspiring. To hear just how low this man has been to witness his comeback. It’s a reminder that no matter how down or bad our life can be you can always stage a comeback.
That MAC Ruby Woo on my lips with that Night Moth liner is doing its thang.
Thanks to Mocha of The Oracle Group for another great event. I’ve done several book signing events with her and they are always a good time.
Here is a montage of videos from the event. I didn’t edit them and all of that they are raw but the message is clear!
What do you have on your reading list? Chat with me in the comment section below or FB, IG or Twitter.
This is awesome! It’s always so great to hear about people that were down at one time but figured out a way to get back up! I agree with you it is incredibly inspiring, I’m glad that he was able to inspire you to get out of your funk! Sometimes, just seeing what someone else was able to do gives you the strength to do the same! We all get down sometimes, but we can all get up too!
Yes Olivia, sometimes you just need someone to say if I can do it, you can do it.
How fun was that! It’s amazing how he still has it! Most people his age have stopped performing long ago.
Yes, his staying power has been incredible.
I haven’t heard but one song by him lol. I am old but still love my young music. I need to listen to him though heard he was the bomb.
Kita you probably know more of his music than you know.
This is pretty cool! I love meet and greets. I’m a fan of self-help books, law of attraction etc. I’ve been reading books in the OG Mangino series right now.
That sounds intersting Nicole, I love when celebs are just down to earth people.
I miss the DMV… Looks like a great time… I love his work. I can’t wait to hear how you like the book…
Aisha, I love this crazy place. It was a great time.
This sounded fun. He’s still doing his thing.
Yes, after all of these years he is still doing his thing.
Lawd I’m so embarrassed I don’t know who this singer is, but your post has me checking for the ebook. Good seeing you at the BLM meetup.
Hahahahaha girl Google him. You probably know his songs and just don’t know he sings them.
I’ve always wanted to go to a book signing event…but there has never been anyone interesting enough visit where I live, lol!
lol, That is one of the great things about living in a major city. Almost everything comes here.
Thank you for sharing Charlie Wilson’s story. It is really uplifting to read success stories, which just goes to show that we should never lose hope.
No matter what, we should never lose hope. You are on it Annemarie.
At first I didn’t recognize the name, but once you said who he was, I knew the songs from the Gap Band. How cool that you got to meet him.
Yes Robin, he is more my Mother’s generation. I’m such a fan of old music and now his career spans her generation and mine.
Girl don’t get me started on my love for Incle Charlieeeeeee! Talk about old school soul. That’s real singing and music right there. It is a blessing to see him as he is now knowing what he has survived. I’m definitely buying this book.
Girl, straight feel good music okay.
What a great meet and greet event that you invited me, as a reader to participate in too! I always enjoy reading self-help books and it is always interesting meeting the authors and hearing their stories! As everyone is just trying to get through this life as best they can! Some master it and some struggle along the way!
Joanne, I totally agree. Everyone has a story to tell and no two are the same.
I remember some of his songs! How cool that you got to meet him in person! His book sounds like a great read!
Thanks Jeannette, I love meeting people that I like. What I didn’t know is how deep his life has been.
It is so sad that so many musicians go through the drugs and alcohol addiction. I am so glad he got clean and is doing so well. A lot of them don’t get that chance! I do know a few of his songs 🙂 This is so cool that you got to see him.
Christy, right. Most of his friends didn’t win their battle.
How awesome you got to meet Mr.Charlie Wilson?!! I love him he is one of the few artist that grows with the generations!! I saw him in concert at Essence and I loved it performed better than artist half his age!!! Go girl!
Yes Kiwi, there aren’t many that can grow with the generations. He is amazing at his craft.
This sounds like it was an amazing meet and great. I always love hearing that a celebrity is keeping it honest and telling it straight.
Yes, we need more celebs to keep it honest and tell is straight. Everyone doesn’t have a fairy tale.
That book sounds very interesting, I have to check it out. Thanks for the great post! 🙂
Thanks Diana, it is really good. I had no idea he has so much story to tell.
I love that song!! LOL!! I didn’t know his back story and I think he’s just awesome!!
Ricci I think every great person has a great back story. I just wish more of them shared them with the world.
What a wonderful experience! I love how he doesn’t try to paint a better picture of his past. Honesty is always appreciated!
Yes, let us know that Hollywood isn’t all glitz and glam.
How great that you got to meet him. I always enjoy book signings and meet & greets too!
Thanks Carmen this was an amazing opportunity.
I think we all loose our’ writing mojo’ every now and then but glad to hear you found this book so inspirational and can recommend it for reading. I think most people do focus on the glitz and glamour of fame and forget that everyone has their demons to fight. I think I would enjoy reading this book too. I love it when people come back and take their power back.
Yes Grace, we ALL celeb included have our demons to fight. I love a great come back too.
On my reading list right now is the bible and I am Malala.
This is a very good introduction of Charlie. I didn’t know him before.
I’d love to hear a bit of his music! Maybe I’ll recognise the music.
Glad you had a fun time!
Colette, you would probably recognize some music if you heard it. His book is very inspiring.
That’s very inspiring that he turned his life around and now sharing his experience through the book.
I look a great come back book after having a huge set back.
I always love to read autobiographies because I feel like people can tell and teach us so much through their stories. And I totally love the Gap band.
Yes, his music is really feel good. I had no idea he had experienced so much pain.
Girl you ROCk that MAC lipstick. I am so glad you said its color cause I was wondering. Now Back to Charlie. I was a huge fan of the Gap band…shows how old i am. And I ma really please to hear that he got his life turned around and is back to making hits. Thanks for sharing.
Ha, Ruby Woo is my ish. Charlie is a legend for sure.
Sounds like an interesting story, especially if it’s that raw. Too many autobiographies make things seem too perfect.
April his story is far from perfect and that is what I love the most.
This is truly inspirational. I haven’t heard the most but I think this would be a good read!
I hadn’t either and I think that is part of the reason I loved it so much.
That looks like a fun event. He is an inspiration. I love reading books about people who had it all and went down at one time, but was able to get back up again.
Yes, it reminds me that we all have set backs but we just have to keep pushing. Joy is on the other side waiting.
I love Charlie Wilson. He’s from my husband’s hometown. So he’s a big fan as well.
Oh wow Nickida, that is extra cool.
Uncle Charlie! The funk legend brought you out of your funk…classic. Did he give a little performance? Glad the event was able to lift your spirits!
Right, it was totally meant to be. hahaha
I don’t currently have any books on my radar. The photos you took look awesome and I’m sure his book is as well. I definitely need to check it out.
Its a powerful story for sure.
Sounds like a really interesting read. I will definitely put this book on my summer reading list. Looks like a fun event!
Its a great read for sure.
This sounds like an interesting read. I love reading stories about people who have turned their lives around for the better. Thank you for sharing his book.
Those always make for a interesting read.
Autobiographies are always so interesting to read! It’s good to hear about someone who has turned their life around for the better. I will have to check out the book.
I think they are my favorite reads.
I do remember You Dropped A Bomb On Me. I hadn’t heard of Charlie Wilson personally, but I do remember The Gap Band. I bet the book is an interesting read. I love to read autobiographies. I would probably enjoy this one.
Yes Dawn, he is the one. lol
Truly an awesome event. by the looks of it, this is one great book signing event!
Ron is really was. Attending book signings are a lot of fun.
It sounds like you had a really good time at the book signing and it’s really neat that you got to meet him in person! It would be so neat little book signing like this.
Its always cool when you meet the authors/artist.
I’ve never heard of him nor heard of the Gap band. Bet the husband knew him. Anyway, I have nothing on my reading list. Life has just been hectic and I don’t have time to read anymore like I used to.
Lynndee, I know the struggle. Its hard for me to finish a book in a reasonable time. Life happens.
I was just watching the story about the book on an entertainment talk show last week, glad you got to meet him and get the book signed, now I’m going to be humming ‘you dropped a bomb on me, baby’ all day! Thanks! LOL 🙂
He definitely sounded like he was keeping it real in the book, he sure did in the interview. I like and respect #realtalk all day everyday!
hahahaaha @ humming you dropped a bomb on me.
I have been reading a lot of Steven King lately. I was also in NY this week and i had a blast. I hope you had a great time.
I’m a big chicken so I don’t read Steve King books but I know they are really popular. Glad NY was a good time for you.
Charlie has some great music and a great attitude. He is a positive one to meet!
I totally agree Laura.
Wow sounds like a great meet and greet! I haven’t heard of Charlie Wilson before this post, I’m off to google and see what I’m missing! How fun.
Hahahahhaa
Looks like you had a fabulous time at the book signing! I love to read a good biography book 🙂
Desirae, I think they are my favorite.
What an awesome event and an even more awesome book! Thanks so much for sharing, I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks Erin.
Wow. Looks like you had a very fun time. I’ve never been to a book signing before, I should go someday.
Bonnie you should they are usually up close and personal which is nice.
It looks like you had a really great time, I would like to attend the next event once I find out when and where.
Jessica you should, they are fun.
I’ve never been to a book signing. They do sound like they are a good time!
Rosey they are a lot of fun.
I knew about Charlie Wilson, but I didn’t know his whole story. Looks a great book to check out!
Krystal, I was the same way.
This looks like a great read but the experience of the book signing and chatting with him sounds wonderful and you look fab!
It was one to remember for sure.
Wow! What an honor it must have been to meet the great Charlie Wilson. So jealous!
It was an honor indeed.
Looks like a good time. I’ve never done a book signing (or met a famous person, for that matter). Good to see his talent wasn’t wasted in a haze of addiction like so many are.
lol @ met famous people. I’ve met several over the years and its always a lot of fun.
Very cool thst you got to meet him. His story sounds interesting. I did not know about yhe drug problem.
I had no idea his story was so intense.
Thanks for sharing. It is always great to hear about the struggle so you can appreciate the success.
Yes, we certainly appreciate our success more after the struggle.
Love, love, love!!! Thank you for this recap cause I was really sad that I missed out. Great pics and I can’t wait to read his story.
You missed a really good one for sure.