Sep 26

Sep 26 Remembering the Night I Discovered Charles Bradley

“Peggy Olson: Sex sells.

Don Draper: Says who? Just so you know, the people who talk that way think that monkeys can do this. They take all this monkey crap and just stick it in a briefcase completely unaware that their success depends on something more than their shoeshine. YOU are the product. You - FEELING something! That’s what sells. Not them. Not sex. They can’t do what we do, and they hate us for it.”

— Mad Men (For Those Who Thing Young)

In the spring of 2016 I traveled to Austin, Texas to attend the annual SxSW conference. I reluctantly journeyed down south as I have never, ever attended any social event without a companion in tow. After a few days I was completely blown away by all the events and showcases I had attended up to that point, that was until I found myself at the NPR Showcase at Stubb's BBQ.

I will be completely honest. I had never heard of Charles Bradley up until that point. I didn't know his incredibly beautiful and heart breaking story of finally finding your path and purpose in life. All I knew was that he was the "opening act" for a slew of very hip, in the moment acts. As soon as Charles took the stage you knew this man had a special gift. The gift of making the audience feel something. A rare gift that forced an incredibly diverse crowd of people to stop looking at their phone and to take look inside themselves.

I was on a much needed search for inspiration. I took a trip to the heart of Texas at a time of complete lack of motivation for anything work related, it changed my life forever. Hearing Charles Bradley's raspy, soulful, powerful voice had a lot to do with that. Towards the end of his set I felt as if Charles was walking on air and to be quite honest I felt like I was walking on air with him. I experienced the full power of music that day, I had never felt that way before. It was raw, real and visceral. It made me believe again that the life long path of music I had chosen was ultimately the right one. At a time in my life when I started questioning my place in the world, I couldn't have gotten a louder answer from a 67 year old singer who found fame in his early 60's.

My life in music is a journey I took completely on my own. A journey largely rejected by family and friends, seen as mostly a hobby. The moment I saw Charles seemingly leave his soul on that stage it was all perfectly clear. Bringing joy and solace to people with music is an extremely personal and rewarding experience. An experience that is absolutely different for everyone. After that performance thousands of ideas started brewing in my head, and I owe that inspiration to that one steamy night in Texas.

The night I saw the screaming eagle take flight over the heads of astonished musicians, writers and creatives looking for wings of their own. Thank you Charles. I will never forget you.