According to The BelleReport.com
KC’s ‘Professor’ of Gospel music dies at 64
By Glenn E. Rice
Michael Charles (In photo), whose gospel music career spanned five decades, died Wednesday at 64. The longtime educator had liver cancer.
Charles was a highly respected leader and pioneer among gospel artists in Kansas City’s African-American community. He also performed with nationally known artists such as the Rev. James Cleveland, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and Richard Smallwood.
“The Professor, as he was called, was the gospel music laureate of Kansas City,” said U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, the former senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, where Charles served as minister of music for 23 years.
“Through his music he could express emotions beyond speech,” Cleaver said.
For decades, ending in 2003, Charles coordinated the music for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
Charles began his gospel career with the children’s choir at Friendship Baptist Church. When he was 9, Charles’ mother died and he began attending Mariah Walker A.M.E., where he traveled and sang lead with the male chorus.
Charles’ family had no money for music lessons, so he traded chores for sessions on a neighbor’s old upright piano.
After high school, Charles attended Central Missouri State University but left to tour with the Raymond Rasberry Singers. While with the group, Charles sang at the Apollo Theater in New York.
He later earned undergraduate, graduate and specialist degrees in education.
In 1969, Charles began teaching in the Kansas City School District. He became a district resource teacher in 1982. He later became coordinator of special projects and director of professional development before retiring in 1999.
During his decades in music, Charles composed more than 200 songs, produced recordings and organized several singing groups, including the Michael Charles Singers and Daybreak.
“His death was a real tragedy because Michael contributed so much to education, to the community and to music,” said the Rev. Nelson Thompson, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s local chapter. “He will truly be missed.”
