Bradley on bent knee giving his all! /Kaitlyn Peterson
Bradley will be missed as he has made an impact on the lives of millions of individuals, inspiring others to pursue their own life’s passion later in life as he lived out the mantra that “you never know until you try.”
Bradley serves up some sweet S.O.U.L music! /Kaitlyn Peterson
It's easy to see that Bradley loved all of his fans. /Kaitlyn Peterson
On Saturday, September 23, 2017, soul singer Charles Bradley left planet earth via New York and crossed over to the spiritual world while family, friends, and band members surrounded him. Bradley was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2016. He started touring this year after receiving a clean bill of health. However, earlier this month he had to cancel his worldwide tour to focus on treatment, admitting that the cancer had returned and spread to his liver.
In the current state of the Music Industry where 360 deals, pop stars, and rappers rule, Bradley shined as the last of a dying breed of soul singers. What is soul music? Soul can be described as "Something Outstanding Urges Listening." It is an undeniable raw sound, evoking a special feeling.
Charles Bradley was a rare throwback artist at a time where disposable music runs rampant throughout our culture. Two years ago, as the closing act of the 2015 Eddy music festival, we had the rare opportunity to watch Charles Bradley bless the city of Grand Rapids with some timeless soul music. With moves that rivaled The Temptations, his act inspired awe as Bradley blazed the stage in a gold sequined suit. His stage presence broadcasted the fact that he cherished every moment performing, and his plethora of microphone stand tricks invoked the likes of Jackie Wilson, Sam Cook, and James Brown.
Charles Bradley had a unique path to fame. His humble music beginnings started with doing digs as a James Brown impersonator in small clubs, but this exposure opened the opportunity for him to sign a record deal in 2011. At the tender age of 62, he released his first album “No Time For Dreaming” through Daptone Records. Rarely does anyone get the chance to have a record deal, especially at the ripe age of 60 plus. In 2013, he released his second album, “Victim of Love,” followed by his third and final album released earlier this year titled, “Changes.”
Charles Bradley gave his heart, mind, and body to every performance, relishing in the opportunity to share his talents with the world through the medium of music. He will be missed as he has made an impact on the lives of millions of individuals, inspiring others to pursue their own life’s passion later in life as he lived out the mantra that “you never know until you try.” Bradley is the perfect example of the old saying, “as long as you’re breathing it’s never too late for a person to recognize that they have potential in themselves.”
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