Bobby Charles, Louisiana Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 71

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Bobby Charles, Louisiana Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 71
January 16, 2010
The New York Times

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bobby Charles, a Louisiana singer and songwriter who wrote hits like Fats Domino’s “Walking to New Orleans,” Bill Haley and the Comets’ “See You Later, Alligator” and Clarence Frogman Henry’s “But I Do,” died on Thursday at his home in Abbeville, La. He was 71.

A reluctant performer who was better known to his fellow musicians than the general public, Mr. Charles had largely kept a low profile since taking part in the farewell concert of the Band, documented in the movie and album “The Last Waltz,” in 1976.

He rarely performed, and released albums only occasionally. He had recently completed working on “Timeless,” a collection of mostly new songs dedicated to Fats Domino, which he produced with his longtime friend and associate Dr. John. That album is scheduled to be released next month.

Despite a back injury suffered in a fall, Mr. Charles had remained focused on finishing the album. “He kept saying, ‘I’ve got to get this out,’ ” his manager, Jim Bateman, told The Times-Picayune of New Orleans.

The son of a gas company truck driver, Mr. Charles grew up in Abbeville and began performing at school dances when he was 14.

“Nobody in my family wanted me to get into the music business, but I always loved it,” he told The Times-Picayune in 2007. “The first time I heard Hank Williams and Fats Domino, it just knocked me down. When I was a kid, I used to pray to be a songwriter like them. My prayers were answered, I guess.”

Mr. Charles is survived by four sons.