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ABOUT OUR HONOREE: “Charlie Wilson’s timeless music has brought joy to millions across generations. His upcoming star ceremony will shine as a testament to his extraordinary talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft,” stated Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez. “I must also add that Charlie’s incredible journey from homelessness and return to show business is a true testament to his indomitable human spirit!” added Martinez.
To say that Charlie Wilson is an “Icon,” does not truly describe the musical powerhouse whose vocal prowess began as a founding member and lead singer of the legendary, multi-platinum group The Gap Band from Tulsa, OK. Prior to becoming a solo star, Wilson and The Gap Bandamassed fans over a 10-year span with high-energy stage shows and a slew of hits — “Outstanding,” “Yearning for Your Love,” “Burn Rubber on Me” and “Early in the Morning” — that are now among the industry’s most sampled songs.
As a solo artist, Wilson has topped the R&B charts with 13 number one singles, 13 Grammy nominations, a New York Times and Washington Post best-selling memoir “I Am Charlie Wilson,” a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Icon Award, a Soul Train Certified Soul Award, and a NAACP Music Makes a Difference Award.
He was twice named Billboard’s Top Adult Male R&B Artist (2009, 2020) and is currently Billboard’s Top Adult R&B Male Artist with the most #1s of all time.
This past December 8th, Wilson released his new single, “Superman,” with a coinciding world premiere on iHeartRadio. This record is personal for him, as it reflects his love for his wife and the turning point that changed his entire life. As lead singer and founding member of The Gap Band, Wilson found fame and success, but it would soon run out and leave him as a homeless addict struggling to survive on the streets of Hollywood Boulevard. However, fate intervened, and he found himself attending a rehabilitation center, where he met his wife, a counselor at the facility. When he was at his lowest, the love and support of his future wife transformed him into Superman, allowing him to fight his demons, get clean and sober, and return to his career faster than a speeding bullet. Wilson has been married and sober for 29 years. On the day of his ceremony, January 29th, Wilson will celebrate his 71st birthday, and will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame right on the very streets where he was once homeless.
He has collaborated with chart-topping artists such as Bruno Mars, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Tyler The Creator, Don Toliver and Nas, among others. Wilson’s continued success is a testament to his artistry, resilience, and unwavering faith, truly establishing himself as a real-life Superman.
Wilson’s showmanship remains unmatched. He is an artist who continues to tour the world with his captivating live performances and has previously sold out two of his own headlining arena tours – Forever Charlie (2015- Billboard’s Top Winter Tour), In It To Win It (2017) – and toured with Bruno Mars on Bruno’s 24K Magic tour.
Wilson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 and through early detection and treatment has been cancer free for 16 years. Upon his diagnosis he joined forces with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to raise awareness and encourage Black men to undergo testing for this serious disease, persistently advocating for early detection. “We don’t have to die from this disease” Wilson proclaimed. He has also actively participated and performed in Stand Up 2 Cancer’s telethons aimed at both raising funds for cancer research and bringing hope to many affected by this life-changing disease.
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