Songwriter. Born Robert Charles Guidry, he was raised listening to Cajun music and influenced by Country music star Hank Williams. At the age of fourteen, he was performing at high school dances in the local Southern R&B band The Cardinals. A song which he wrote titled "Later Alligator" caught the attention of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess, whom promptly signed him to a contract. The song was recorded by Charles in 1955 and met with limited success, but became a classic early-Rock 'n' Roll hit when Bill Haley and the Comets covered it retitled "See You Later Alligator" in 1956. After leaving Chess Records in 1957, Charles steadily earned the reputation as an accomplished songwriter with his penning of Fats Domino's beloved hit "Walking to New Orleans" (1960) and Clarence 'Frogman' Henry's "(I Don't Know Why I Love You) But I Do" (1961), both of which earned top ten placings on the pop charts. As a recording artist, Charles collaborated with The Band on his 1972 self-titled album effort. From that point on, over the next three decades he sporadically recorded albums. In addition to The Band, Charles worked on various projects with artists Paul Butterfield and Dr. John. Among his other notable songs include "Bye, Bye Baby," "On Bended Knee," "One Eyed Jack," and "The Jealous Kind" (recorded by Joe Cocker). He was inducted into the Louisiana State music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Songwriter. Born Robert Charles Guidry, he was raised listening to Cajun music and influenced by Country music star Hank Williams. At the age of fourteen, he was performing at high school dances in the local Southern R&B band The Cardinals. A song which he wrote titled "Later Alligator" caught the attention of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess, whom promptly signed him to a contract. The song was recorded by Charles in 1955 and met with limited success, but became a classic early-Rock 'n' Roll hit when Bill Haley and the Comets covered it retitled "See You Later Alligator" in 1956. After leaving Chess Records in 1957, Charles steadily earned the reputation as an accomplished songwriter with his penning of Fats Domino's beloved hit "Walking to New Orleans" (1960) and Clarence 'Frogman' Henry's "(I Don't Know Why I Love You) But I Do" (1961), both of which earned top ten placings on the pop charts. As a recording artist, Charles collaborated with The Band on his 1972 self-titled album effort. From that point on, over the next three decades he sporadically recorded albums. In addition to The Band, Charles worked on various projects with artists Paul Butterfield and Dr. John. Among his other notable songs include "Bye, Bye Baby," "On Bended Knee," "One Eyed Jack," and "The Jealous Kind" (recorded by Joe Cocker). He was inducted into the Louisiana State music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Charles memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
