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I Am Charlie Wilson
The long-awaited New York Times bestselling memoir of seven-time Grammy-nominated artist Charlie Wilson, the iconic R&B and Funk singer-songwriter-producer and former lead singer of The Gap Band—interwoven with his recollections of collaborating with fellow artists such as Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, and Snoop Dogg.
Recognized the world over for his distinct voice and timeless hits spanning a career of nearly half a century, Charlie Wilson is one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation. So it took friends and family by surprise when he checked into rehab and revealed that he had been not only homeless, but also helpless.
Here is the riveting story of how love and faith carried him through not only his addiction, but also prostate cancer. Here, too, is the story of his work in the music business, including a career resurgence that saw collaborations with some of the most sought-after artists of today, including Pharrell and Justin Timberlake.
Now over twenty years sober, Wilson recounts a life filled with vertiginous highs and heartbreaking lows. His is a story of triumph over adversity, courage in the face of extreme hardship, and love when all else is lost. It is a tale of the last sixty years in social and pop culture history, and one that will stay with you for years to come.
Recognized the world over for his distinct voice and timeless hits spanning a career of nearly half a century, Charlie Wilson is one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation. So it took friends and family by surprise when he checked into rehab and revealed that he had been not only homeless, but also helpless.
Here is the riveting story of how love and faith carried him through not only his addiction, but also prostate cancer. Here, too, is the story of his work in the music business, including a career resurgence that saw collaborations with some of the most sought-after artists of today, including Pharrell and Justin Timberlake.
Now over twenty years sober, Wilson recounts a life filled with vertiginous highs and heartbreaking lows. His is a story of triumph over adversity, courage in the face of extreme hardship, and love when all else is lost. It is a tale of the last sixty years in social and pop culture history, and one that will stay with you for years to come.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2015
25 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 23, 2015
Wow! That's the word that leaped from my mouth the minute I read the last page of I AM CHARLIE WILSON. This book was a phenomenal account of the highs and lows of the incredible life of the man we now affectionately call Uncle Charlie.
In this book, we learn about the man, the music, the addiction, his faith and the love he has for his wife. His transparency was nothing short of amazing! From failed records to collaborating with the best in the business, Charlie Wilson has managed to create and maintain a sound that crosses the generational gaps and leaves everyone with a little something to groove to. From the pit of his addiction to drugs to his multiple decades of sobriety, he has inspired others who now know they too can get clean and stay clean.
This book truly shows that what God has His hand on no man or no thing can destroy. Charlie Wilson was able to resurrect his career and with the help of some musical geniuses he reintroduced himself to the world in the most honest and pure way--First name, Charlie Last name, Wilson! FIVE STARS!!!!!
In this book, we learn about the man, the music, the addiction, his faith and the love he has for his wife. His transparency was nothing short of amazing! From failed records to collaborating with the best in the business, Charlie Wilson has managed to create and maintain a sound that crosses the generational gaps and leaves everyone with a little something to groove to. From the pit of his addiction to drugs to his multiple decades of sobriety, he has inspired others who now know they too can get clean and stay clean.
This book truly shows that what God has His hand on no man or no thing can destroy. Charlie Wilson was able to resurrect his career and with the help of some musical geniuses he reintroduced himself to the world in the most honest and pure way--First name, Charlie Last name, Wilson! FIVE STARS!!!!!
August 28, 2015
Wow! I didn't want to put this book down. When a book makes me cry several times, including in public, you know it's great! I've always loved hearing Charlie Wilson give his testimony, but to read it in more detail and to think about how much he praises God for all He's brought him through really made the book an awesome memoir. The book is extremely well written and flows so well. Uncle Charlie does a great job of giving insight into his life experiences and thought processes. This book makes you feel as if you're sitting there with him as he's telling the story. This is a definite must-read!
March 17, 2016
Wow, did I enjoy Charlie's truth, even when cringing through his darkest shares. I'm reminded that life can be unkind, unfair and unpredictable. As a child who started life and well beyond with the foundation of strong supportive parents, one couldn't predict the forthcoming breakdown and abandoned dignity. This was for me a clear testament of possibilities and faith amid heartfelt challenges that often seemed more like punishment.
Restoration, God's grace, victory and purpose is what comes to mind when closing the final pages, and then I quickly stand corrected, as Charlie Wilson is so far from his finale! My lingering thoughts are after all of that, his divinely crafted instrument, his gift "his voice" remained intact.
Restoration, God's grace, victory and purpose is what comes to mind when closing the final pages, and then I quickly stand corrected, as Charlie Wilson is so far from his finale! My lingering thoughts are after all of that, his divinely crafted instrument, his gift "his voice" remained intact.
December 6, 2015
A very humdrum memoir. Reads like a standard biographical timeline, with scant detail to Charlie's expedition from child to chart-topping performer. The surface information is all there, it's just presented in a superficial way, never delving deeply into the various situations Charlie confronted on his way to stardom. Even the drug addiction, homelessness and fall from grace. The why is touched on, but not the how. And the lack of financial proceeds from the management company, we get the what, but not the why and how of not making proactive moves to rectify that situation.
If you are looking for some details into the life of Charlie Wilson, you won't find them here. You will find the basic contours of the man known as Uncle Charlie. Fans will appreciate this imprecise look at Charlie's trials and tribulations, but for those looking to learn more about the man and perhaps become a fan, this effort unfortunately is disappointing.
If you are looking for some details into the life of Charlie Wilson, you won't find them here. You will find the basic contours of the man known as Uncle Charlie. Fans will appreciate this imprecise look at Charlie's trials and tribulations, but for those looking to learn more about the man and perhaps become a fan, this effort unfortunately is disappointing.
October 19, 2015
Wilson's book is as mesmerizing as his music. From his religious childhood in Oklahoma to the hard life of drug addiction, Wilson lets us see the real him....the pitfalls of being hoodwinked as a young musician, performing at sell-out venues but going home with with not one single red penny. Cast-down financially and emotionally, Wilson becomes homeless for three years and nearly succumbed to death on the streets as a junkie. Grace and mercy in the form of his cousin leads him to drug-alcohol rehab where he meets his wife, his "outstanding" woman who has remained by his side for 20 years.
July 16, 2016
One of the best memoirs I've read in a long time. My admiration meter for Mr. Charlie Wilson just jumped. I Am Charlie Wilson was extremely well written I laughed, cried, and felt his pain the story allowed me as the reader to walk every step with him feeling every high and low period of his life.
The last chapter "A Place In The Sun" I wish I had read first gone back to chapter one ending my read by reading "A Place In The Sun" again.
A Charlie, last name Wilson fan for life.
The last chapter "A Place In The Sun" I wish I had read first gone back to chapter one ending my read by reading "A Place In The Sun" again.
A Charlie, last name Wilson fan for life.
July 26, 2015
Charlie Wilson is a survivor. God truly has always had His hand on this man. Uncle Charlie tells his story with truth and hindsight. He has gone from rags to riches, to riches to rags, and to riches again. Charlie Wilson has had an amazing life journey.
September 14, 2015
Charlie Wilson is one of my favorite entertainers. I loved reading about this his trials and triumphs.
June 8, 2019
This book was amazing. Honesty, I struggled to put it down! I have never read a book so fast before. I never knew much about Charlie Wilson’s personal life or The Gap Band’s Story in general. I didn’t quite know what to expect going into reading this book. I’m glad I picked this book up. It’s definitely worth a read.
It breaks my heart to know that The Gap Band is yet another R&B band that was screwed over by music industry vultures. I just finished George Clinton’s biography and the fact they both had similar stories intrigues me. Charlie and George were both shy men who just wanted to pay music. Music industry scammers took advantage of these talented artists and their naïveté. This book is a must read for inspiring musicians who don’t know much about the music industry. Some of the things that Charlie mentioned in this book are still happening today.
I love the fact that Charlie embraces the new generation of musicians, yet he doesn’t try hard to fit in with them. In the book, he mentions how R. Kelly tried to reintroduce Charlie to young music listeners by creating a character for him; a la Mr Biggs (Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers). I busted out laughing when he told R. Kelly that his name is “First Name Charlie, Last Name Wilson” and that’s all he wants to be. The fact a silly story like that inspired one of the biggest R&B hits in history is hilarious.
My favorite thing about this book is that Charlie isn’t afraid to look bad. He takes accountability for his actions, he reflects on his choices, and uses his trauma as a testimony to the man he is today. The story about how his wife helped save him warmed my heart. Charlie has been through hell and back. It is inspiring to see that he still has the will to go on and help others, despite the amount of people that have wronged him. He isn’t bitter and that is what makes this book refreshing. In the end, he gives a heart warming story about swimming. I don’t want to spoil too much, but it was nice to see him go from sleeping behind UHaul trucks during his homeless days to swimming internationally.
It breaks my heart to know that The Gap Band is yet another R&B band that was screwed over by music industry vultures. I just finished George Clinton’s biography and the fact they both had similar stories intrigues me. Charlie and George were both shy men who just wanted to pay music. Music industry scammers took advantage of these talented artists and their naïveté. This book is a must read for inspiring musicians who don’t know much about the music industry. Some of the things that Charlie mentioned in this book are still happening today.
I love the fact that Charlie embraces the new generation of musicians, yet he doesn’t try hard to fit in with them. In the book, he mentions how R. Kelly tried to reintroduce Charlie to young music listeners by creating a character for him; a la Mr Biggs (Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers). I busted out laughing when he told R. Kelly that his name is “First Name Charlie, Last Name Wilson” and that’s all he wants to be. The fact a silly story like that inspired one of the biggest R&B hits in history is hilarious.
My favorite thing about this book is that Charlie isn’t afraid to look bad. He takes accountability for his actions, he reflects on his choices, and uses his trauma as a testimony to the man he is today. The story about how his wife helped save him warmed my heart. Charlie has been through hell and back. It is inspiring to see that he still has the will to go on and help others, despite the amount of people that have wronged him. He isn’t bitter and that is what makes this book refreshing. In the end, he gives a heart warming story about swimming. I don’t want to spoil too much, but it was nice to see him go from sleeping behind UHaul trucks during his homeless days to swimming internationally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
This is a showstopper,
I’d had this book in my kindle list for a couple of years and it somehow drifted to the bottom. I finally read it while on a relaxing Caribbean vacation and I just couldn’t put it down. I read the entire book in just two days in a total of about 8 hours time. Charlie is very honest about all of the pain in his personal and professional life and how he did a poor job of handling both. I loved his triumph and success when he decided to turn both areas over to God for recovery and restoration. I have a new found respect for him, and the fact that he looks and sounds better than ever.
It saddens me that Whitney Houston (who didn’t have any of the personal or professional problems he had in his life couldn’t make such a turnaround in her life and be still with us looking and sounding better than ever.
I’d had this book in my kindle list for a couple of years and it somehow drifted to the bottom. I finally read it while on a relaxing Caribbean vacation and I just couldn’t put it down. I read the entire book in just two days in a total of about 8 hours time. Charlie is very honest about all of the pain in his personal and professional life and how he did a poor job of handling both. I loved his triumph and success when he decided to turn both areas over to God for recovery and restoration. I have a new found respect for him, and the fact that he looks and sounds better than ever.
It saddens me that Whitney Houston (who didn’t have any of the personal or professional problems he had in his life couldn’t make such a turnaround in her life and be still with us looking and sounding better than ever.
June 29, 2018
I cannot express how excited I was to learn Charlie Wilson had written his memoirs – FINALLY! OMG, I’m a huge fan of Uncle Charlie and have been following his career since he sang with his brothers in The GAP Band. What an amazing artist and more importantly, human being. There was always something about Charlie that you just knew he had “it.” Not everyone has it, but Charlie definitely does.
He’s one of those artists that you just cannot hate. I’m sure there are people who aren’t fans, but it’s hard not to be a fan of this man. In his memoir, he takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster, and when I tell you he was very open and honest, that is truly an understatement. He broke it all down from the great highlights in his life, to the lowest of low. I remember a few years back when I heard him doing an interview wherein he spoke candidly about being a drug addict and homeless. My jaw literally hit the floor. Here, while I was enjoying his music back in the day and being the naïve star-craved fan thinking he was riding high, who the hell knew he was homeless and broke? Charlie Wilson homeless, broke and strung out on drugs? Say what now? Jesus, I just couldn’t believe it. And after so many years of wanting desperately to read his story, he gave it to me in more ways than one.
What I loved most about his memoir is that it wasn’t bullshit. I’ve read countless memoirs from stars I’ve admired over the years and you can just tell when they were really giving their fans what they wanted and when they were holding back and only trying to make a coin and give you half-truths. Charlie told his story straight up and from a dark place that I’m positive had to be horrible to relive and conjure up old demons—some of which he still fights to this very day.
It was awesome to read about his parents and growing up with his brothers and sister. I never even knew he had a sister, and she sings too. His entire family are musical geniuses in their own right. He speaks openly about his first time performing on stage as a little boy. And being shy was never in his DNA for he first got his taste of entertaining in the church, as many African-American artists do. Charlie takes his readers on a journey and you’re all too willing to hop in the seat, buckle up and see where the destination leads. I can say happily his destination is beyond the sky’s limit. This man shows no signs of stopping. He’s such a professional and true to his artistry and you feel that in his music.
I remember when The GAP Band III album hit the shelves in the record store in tow producing the monster smash, Yearning for Your Love, I liked to up and lost all of my mind. You couldn’t tell me nothing when that song came on. OMG, I pestered the DJs to play that song every hour on the hour. My mother bought the album for me and it sounded like bacon frying I played it so much. I still get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside whenever I hear it. And who knew while I was sitting back enjoying that awesome album, Charlie was homeless. I just cannot believe that. When he tells you about the shoddy contracts he signed and the shyster managers and record companies he and his brothers dealt with, when their career was on ten, you feel his pain. It was painful to read some of his truth. This is another reason why I respect Charlie so much because he stands in his truth—but you better trust and believe, it didn’t start out that way. Learning to deal with his truth was a process.
Part of that process was his faith in God and his beautiful and loving wife, Mahin. When I tell you his wife is a true Ride or Die type of chick, her picture is the poster child for it. She went and still goes well beyond the scope of what a real wife does for her husband. I absolutely adore his wife and I don’t even know her, but Charlie brings his wife to life on those pages and you will quickly learn why he loves his wife so. This woman is an angel, which he mentions many times. God truly did send him an angel and he was and is so deserving of her. Mahin knows what it means to be a wife and to love her man. She’s my kind of gal. Huge props and kudos go to her because this woman has been through it, you hear me! Been there and done that and still there and doing that all for the love of her Charlie. Ain’t a damn thing wrong with that! I love it. They have an incredible relationship.
Needless to say, Charlie impressed me so much, which I had no doubt. I’ve always been a fan and I will continue to support his music. He’s so real and I can relate and appreciate a brother like that. He’s more than a boy-next-door type of guy, he’s the dude that is down for the cause and helping to uplift his fellow man—regardless as to color, creed, sex, nationality, etc. His truth could be anyone’s story. After suffering through the tough years on drugs, he still was able to bounce back. What the drugs didn’t do, prostate cancer tried, but once again, God was on his side right along with Mahin. He beat it, and thank God for his wife demanding he get check-ups. Had he not listened to his wife, we might not be celebrating Charlie’s accomplishments in this sense. Early prevention saved his life. As he said, “God is so good!” He ain’t never lied!
This was one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. I was blown away with how down-to-earth Charlie is and how honest he was with his fans. He didn’t have to allow us in his life the way he did, and I appreciate that he kept it one hundred! Like I said, you can always tell when celebrities are holding back, but Charlie let it flow.
Side Note: Charlie not only wrote an “Outstanding” book, he gave us plenty of pictures to boot! You Rock, Brotha!
He’s one of those artists that you just cannot hate. I’m sure there are people who aren’t fans, but it’s hard not to be a fan of this man. In his memoir, he takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster, and when I tell you he was very open and honest, that is truly an understatement. He broke it all down from the great highlights in his life, to the lowest of low. I remember a few years back when I heard him doing an interview wherein he spoke candidly about being a drug addict and homeless. My jaw literally hit the floor. Here, while I was enjoying his music back in the day and being the naïve star-craved fan thinking he was riding high, who the hell knew he was homeless and broke? Charlie Wilson homeless, broke and strung out on drugs? Say what now? Jesus, I just couldn’t believe it. And after so many years of wanting desperately to read his story, he gave it to me in more ways than one.
What I loved most about his memoir is that it wasn’t bullshit. I’ve read countless memoirs from stars I’ve admired over the years and you can just tell when they were really giving their fans what they wanted and when they were holding back and only trying to make a coin and give you half-truths. Charlie told his story straight up and from a dark place that I’m positive had to be horrible to relive and conjure up old demons—some of which he still fights to this very day.
It was awesome to read about his parents and growing up with his brothers and sister. I never even knew he had a sister, and she sings too. His entire family are musical geniuses in their own right. He speaks openly about his first time performing on stage as a little boy. And being shy was never in his DNA for he first got his taste of entertaining in the church, as many African-American artists do. Charlie takes his readers on a journey and you’re all too willing to hop in the seat, buckle up and see where the destination leads. I can say happily his destination is beyond the sky’s limit. This man shows no signs of stopping. He’s such a professional and true to his artistry and you feel that in his music.
I remember when The GAP Band III album hit the shelves in the record store in tow producing the monster smash, Yearning for Your Love, I liked to up and lost all of my mind. You couldn’t tell me nothing when that song came on. OMG, I pestered the DJs to play that song every hour on the hour. My mother bought the album for me and it sounded like bacon frying I played it so much. I still get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside whenever I hear it. And who knew while I was sitting back enjoying that awesome album, Charlie was homeless. I just cannot believe that. When he tells you about the shoddy contracts he signed and the shyster managers and record companies he and his brothers dealt with, when their career was on ten, you feel his pain. It was painful to read some of his truth. This is another reason why I respect Charlie so much because he stands in his truth—but you better trust and believe, it didn’t start out that way. Learning to deal with his truth was a process.
Part of that process was his faith in God and his beautiful and loving wife, Mahin. When I tell you his wife is a true Ride or Die type of chick, her picture is the poster child for it. She went and still goes well beyond the scope of what a real wife does for her husband. I absolutely adore his wife and I don’t even know her, but Charlie brings his wife to life on those pages and you will quickly learn why he loves his wife so. This woman is an angel, which he mentions many times. God truly did send him an angel and he was and is so deserving of her. Mahin knows what it means to be a wife and to love her man. She’s my kind of gal. Huge props and kudos go to her because this woman has been through it, you hear me! Been there and done that and still there and doing that all for the love of her Charlie. Ain’t a damn thing wrong with that! I love it. They have an incredible relationship.
Needless to say, Charlie impressed me so much, which I had no doubt. I’ve always been a fan and I will continue to support his music. He’s so real and I can relate and appreciate a brother like that. He’s more than a boy-next-door type of guy, he’s the dude that is down for the cause and helping to uplift his fellow man—regardless as to color, creed, sex, nationality, etc. His truth could be anyone’s story. After suffering through the tough years on drugs, he still was able to bounce back. What the drugs didn’t do, prostate cancer tried, but once again, God was on his side right along with Mahin. He beat it, and thank God for his wife demanding he get check-ups. Had he not listened to his wife, we might not be celebrating Charlie’s accomplishments in this sense. Early prevention saved his life. As he said, “God is so good!” He ain’t never lied!
This was one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. I was blown away with how down-to-earth Charlie is and how honest he was with his fans. He didn’t have to allow us in his life the way he did, and I appreciate that he kept it one hundred! Like I said, you can always tell when celebrities are holding back, but Charlie let it flow.
Side Note: Charlie not only wrote an “Outstanding” book, he gave us plenty of pictures to boot! You Rock, Brotha!
September 13, 2017
Charlie Wilson, in case you live under a rock, (or are not into black music) he is the former lead singer of the 80's, widely popular R&B group "the Gap Band". The book was a disappointment as I expected the content to be written in a more authentic voice. I ended up just flipping through the pages, but I did manage to pick up on the highlights: Coming out of the GB, he was a hopeless drug addict until his wife came along to save him--or words to the affect--thus allowing him to resurrect his career something like 20 years later. Other than that, there was nothing earth-shattering, or unexpected about his tragic journey to redemption, self-respect, and his present day acclaim.
August 29, 2017
Everything I Hoped.....
This book was an amazing look at one of my all time favorites singers/performers. My emotions ran the gamut as I read this book. More than a few times I felt the tears sting my eyes, the hurt pierce my heart, as Charlie's life is put on full display. I can identify with so many of his situations that led him to addiction, nearly destroying him. I'm so thankful he is still here though and his star still shines brightly. He's truly blessed. Thank you and I'm excited to see where life takes you next!!
This book was an amazing look at one of my all time favorites singers/performers. My emotions ran the gamut as I read this book. More than a few times I felt the tears sting my eyes, the hurt pierce my heart, as Charlie's life is put on full display. I can identify with so many of his situations that led him to addiction, nearly destroying him. I'm so thankful he is still here though and his star still shines brightly. He's truly blessed. Thank you and I'm excited to see where life takes you next!!
January 3, 2023
I read this for a book club; I didn't actually know who Charlie Wilson was, and I've never heard of the GAP band. But it was interesting hearing about his work with artists I do know: Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Kanye, Snoop Dogg.
I imagine this would hit harder if you did grow up listening to his music. To me, it just seems like a typical story of a recovering drug addict, so it's not something I would recommend to everybody. But if you like Charlie Wilson and want to know about his life, it's well-written and quickly paced.
I imagine this would hit harder if you did grow up listening to his music. To me, it just seems like a typical story of a recovering drug addict, so it's not something I would recommend to everybody. But if you like Charlie Wilson and want to know about his life, it's well-written and quickly paced.
March 25, 2022
3.75/5
It was a good book. He was a bit repetitive & the “name dropping” was a bit much sometime but I still enjoyed reading his story. I didn’t even know he had a book until recently. It took me some time to get it down because it’s so hard for me to SIT and read these days & my desire to read can be a bit lacking. Even with listening to audiobooks. I got a bit bored sometimes, but I’m glad I got to read it.
It was a good book. He was a bit repetitive & the “name dropping” was a bit much sometime but I still enjoyed reading his story. I didn’t even know he had a book until recently. It took me some time to get it down because it’s so hard for me to SIT and read these days & my desire to read can be a bit lacking. Even with listening to audiobooks. I got a bit bored sometimes, but I’m glad I got to read it.
October 5, 2023
“I Am Charlie Wilson” by Charlie Wilson (of course lol) is a fantastic read. I ploughed through this book. I would have read this faster if I didn’t need to other things like work haha.
I have a new found respect for him, the highs and lows of his life and he’s still going.
Definitely recommend this book 🔥🔥🔥
I have a new found respect for him, the highs and lows of his life and he’s still going.
Definitely recommend this book 🔥🔥🔥
July 21, 2018
I love Uncle Charlie. I MET HIM ONCE AND THAT TIME WILL STAY IN MY MIND. I felt I was talking to my uncle. And this memoir puts everything in place that makes me love him more. This book is written so honestly you can not help but love and respect the man behind the great musician.
August 4, 2019
What a story and a journey. Charlie has been through it. Much respect to him. Well done on the book.
March 23, 2022
Excellent book
June 29, 2019
I can't say this was what I expected because I was disappointed by how tedious it got at many points that I found myself skimming through the pages. However, the best bits are about how he has gotten to the lowest of the low then rose above all that with the power of love, determination, and prayers.
July 8, 2015
Growing up in a musical household proved to be tricky for Charlie Wilson, a black young man growing up in Tulsa in the 1950s and 60s. There wasn’t such a thing “as black radio in Tulsa,” there was one radio station where Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra reigned supreme. His mother, a devout Christian, “would call any music that wasn’t gospel—the blues.” So if he wanted to expose himself to the likes of Otis Redding, the Temptations, James Brown and Sam Cooke he would have to go next door to his neighbor, Miss Hanna’s, and there was where his love affair with music began.
“I Am Charlie Wilson” is a candid look into the life of the R&B and funk legend, Charlie Wilson. The memoir is interspersed with music lyrics from the legendary Gap Band and tales from the road and behind the music scene. His impressive journey includes his battle with substance abuse and how his faith carried him through not only his addiction, but also prostate cancer.
The founding member of The Gap Band and seven-time Grammy nominated artist proclaims, “Singing the blues didn’t kill me after all. Music, my gift, helped me to soar, dropped me to my lowest of lows, and resurrected me in ways immeasurable…”
“I Am Charlie Wilson” is a candid look into the life of the R&B and funk legend, Charlie Wilson. The memoir is interspersed with music lyrics from the legendary Gap Band and tales from the road and behind the music scene. His impressive journey includes his battle with substance abuse and how his faith carried him through not only his addiction, but also prostate cancer.
The founding member of The Gap Band and seven-time Grammy nominated artist proclaims, “Singing the blues didn’t kill me after all. Music, my gift, helped me to soar, dropped me to my lowest of lows, and resurrected me in ways immeasurable…”
July 1, 2015
This is a straightforward, honest and inspiring memoir from a musician who saw success as part of his family band, The GAP Band, battled addiction and homelessness and came back to have a second chance at life and success. Charlie Wilson grew up surrounded by music and religion and his stories from his childhood are some of my favorites. His voice and musical skill propelled him into the spotlight but didn't protect him from shifty management and lots of exposure to drugs. He tailspinned into a life of extreme addiction that only extreme faith in love and God helped him overcome. His writing is clear-sighted and you feel as if he is speaking his life story instead of writing it. He has worked with a lot of other R&B artists and included many interesting anecdotes. I enjoyed this thoroughly even though I am not overly familiar with his music. I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
Charlie Wilson gives us a insight into a who's who in his life filled with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Rick James. What was so amazing was Charlie Wilson's hard fall from grace and his redemptive rise to recovery, career success and love. Charlie Wilson has been clean on this journey for over 25 years and says some of his best memories is when audience members come up and show him their medallion after a concert. In his later years he has gained the love, respect of his-self and his million fan base all around the world. Mr. Wilson's top ten song "You Are" is a leading marriage song for couples but was dedicated to his wife who helped save his life. Catch a exciting concert from Uncle Charlie and see the grass-roots of his Preacher dad as he grew up catching the holy ghost. This was a excellent read and written with twists and turns at every turn.
August 14, 2016
There was a lot to love and savor about this personal narrative of a music icon. Omitting spoilers his mother and her very early admonition to stay true to his voice wholly won me over. That advice, on top his relationship with Snoop Dogg, for me, rocked this memoir on home. The scene at the gas station will play in my mind over and over again, similar to a comment Rick James made.
Overall, this ‘quiet’ memoir screams of tremendous pain and passion, which as difficult as it was to read, I know it is the rudiments that not only produces high-end art, but is the essence of what inspires others. “The thrill of creation is indescribable. Magical.” – I agree. Highly recommended.
Overall, this ‘quiet’ memoir screams of tremendous pain and passion, which as difficult as it was to read, I know it is the rudiments that not only produces high-end art, but is the essence of what inspires others. “The thrill of creation is indescribable. Magical.” – I agree. Highly recommended.
July 29, 2015
Great story !!!
I didn't expect this book to be as inspirational as it was. Charlie really has gone through a lot in his life. In his words, he wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for God. You never know what a person goes through in life, unless you know their story. Well written.
I didn't expect this book to be as inspirational as it was. Charlie really has gone through a lot in his life. In his words, he wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for God. You never know what a person goes through in life, unless you know their story. Well written.
December 28, 2015
Honest about his faith, love and addiction, Charlie Wilson has come a long way. From the Gap Band to going solo. God gave him a second chance, he took it, prayed about it and with the help of his wife, Mahin overcame it.
A story of triumph and courage in facing adversity, and most of all love. You go Uncle Char,i.e.! Continued success to you.
A story of triumph and courage in facing adversity, and most of all love. You go Uncle Char,i.e.! Continued success to you.
June 30, 2015
My favorite line from the book was no matter how dark it got, I always remembered to pray. Uncle Charlie is so open and honest about his life and testimony in this book. I read it twice. There is so much to glean from his story about family, addiction, goals, determination and faith.
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October 25, 2015I Love you Charlie Wildon
I love Charlie Wilson. I am so glad that God gave him a second chance!! So glad that he met an angel here on earth, his wife Mahin. Also so thankful that he told us his story and that his story can help so many others who are struggling with addiction.
I love Charlie Wilson. I am so glad that God gave him a second chance!! So glad that he met an angel here on earth, his wife Mahin. Also so thankful that he told us his story and that his story can help so many others who are struggling with addiction.
July 8, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! I've always been a fan of Charlie Wilson even when he was a member of The GAP Band. The first album I purchased was by The GAP Band...his voice is amazing. I'm so glad Uncle Charlie shared his trials and triumphs.
July 28, 2016
I have had this book since it was released and just picked it up to read. This was the best autobiography I have ever read. I learned so much about the music industry and more about how prevalent drugs are in the industry. Touching and informative
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