2021 Soul Train Awards: 5 Reason Why We Love Our “Certified Soul” Award Nominee Charlie Wilson
The Soul Train Awards leaves no box unchecked when it comes to honoring the best in R&B and soul music. The awards honor the leading lady, those on the rise, and the living legends. One of this year’s “Certified Soul Artist” nominees is soul and funk pioneer Charlie Wilson.
Uncle Charlie has long been contributing to the genre and the culture as a whole since the mid the 70s with his late brothers Ronnie and Robert Wilson during their days as The Gap Band, with records like “Outstanding” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me.”
Charlie’s solo career would prove to be just as success, often finding himself tapped to add the soul element whether leading background vocal for Tyler the Creator's “Earfquake” or Pharrell’s “That Girl.” Artists know who to go for for that funk and soul sound.
Ahead of the 2021Soul Train Awards ceremony check out the list of reasons why we love our “Certified Soul Artist” nominee Charlie Wilson.
His longevity is impressive
Charlie created his trio with his brother in 1974 when he was just 21 and still at 68 years of age, the singer doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Younger artists co-signed him
Uncle Charlie’s loyalty to his sound and perfecting it over time is something even younger artists can appreciate and have done so by routinely calling on the R&B crooner to add his flare to any track--that’s when they’re not samping “Outstanding,” of course.
He’s a big supporter of our troops
The singer has made it his personal mission to support those who serve this country and in an effort to do so has taken his band and high energy shows to Kuwait and Iraq several times since 2009.
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He’s a survivor
In 2008, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but was treated successfully with implants. The singer has since worked with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, encouraging Black men to be tested for the disease. He teamed up with Lupe Fiasco for his single, "Mission", which focuses on cancer survivors.
We just love how he moves on stage
Charlie’s presence on stage is electrifying. Last year he showed off those moves during the 2020 Soul Train Awards when he performed a medley of songs.
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
