Paying It Forward By “Healing”: An Interview With Musician Josh Charles
Josh Charles is a remarkable man and musician. He is an inspiration to others; more should pay it forward for the greater good. Josh is giving back to the community of New Orleans. Download the single “Healing Time” on iTunes or Amazon and 100% of the proceeds go to The Preservation Resource Center (PRC) of New Orleans to help rebuild, restore, and preserve the architectural history and historic neighborhoods that support the local culture and character of New Orleans. As stated in an article in the Huffington Post by 2morrowknight, Josh stated that ” I’m trying to do my part to give back to the city of New Orleans which has given me so much as an artist.”
Read more at: Huffington Post
Josh began playing at an early age. He began playing piano at the age of 8 and he started playing guitar at 13. He was classically trained and spent summers at band camp. His piano playing can be linked back to blend of New Orleans music and gospel styles. You feel at peace when you listen to him play; a part of you can go back in time and feel his soulful music enter your heart and you can’t help but move along with the notes.
Josh Charles is also teaching a master class at Steinway Music Hall in NYC on the how to play New Orleans /Boogie Woogie Piano even if you’re never played. It is Saturday, October 10th from 3-5 PM; all beginners are welcome. If interested, please contact him: masterclass@joshcharlesmusic
You are on Twitter; have you found that spreading your music and message has been helped by it?
I am thankful that I found Twitter. I was just telling Gavin DeGraw last night that I find Twitter to be my favorite way to communicate with fans. It’s amazing, in real-time you can share personal thoughts, pics,vids,music and I really enjoy interacting with people. When I’m on tour, I meet people from Twitter and I’m so appreciative for their support. Twitter is also how I stay connected to everyone. There is so much great content on Twitter and I feel so lucky to have so many great tweeps who help me out – I must name some here: @buzzedition,@alyssa_milano @collective_soul ,@jason_pollock @_stevewoods @kevin_desoto @kim @lorimoreno @krystynchong –the list goes on and on but I feel very lucky to be considered worthwhile among tweeps. In short, I love TWITTER..
You have said you are a “wandering nomad” and you feel a kinship to New Orleans. Do you see yourself moving back there soon?
At some point, I would love to move to New Orleans for Take 2. I love the city with all my heart and soul.
You started playing in blues clubs when you were a teenager. Do you have any crazy stories from playing in clubs at such a young age?
My first job was at a blues joint in KC. It was on a 100 year old beat up piano with jagged keys and missing notes- I would bleed from the sharp edges and playing so hard. I had no microphone and it was a 4 hour a night rowdy blues and boogie woogie gig.
What makes you want to get up every day? What inspires you?
I love being able to share my music with the world. Knowing that it’s helping make a difference in people’s lives is a very powerful thought. I take it very seriously and work very hard on my craft.
You recently met Smokey Robinson; please tell us of that experience. How does it feel to meet other remarkable musicians?
One of the nicest, most gracious and caring guys on this planet. He fills the room with joy and it’s an honor. I”ve been so fortunate to meet amazing people and musicians. Just recently, I shared an afternoon with Allen Toussaint playing piano and singing songs and it was a highlight of my musical life. I mean it’s Allen Toussaint!
If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Wow just one? I’d love to have spent a day with Ray Charles 🙂
“Healing Time” is eligible for Grammy’s in the following categories: Best New Artist, Song of the Year and Record of the Year. That is incredible; how does it make you feel to be recognized in that way?
It’s an honor! Healing Time has tremendous potential to make a difference in people’s lives and help rebuild New Orleans. I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to download the song and pay it forward.
To learn more about Josh Charles and his cause, please visit his web page:
http://joshcharlesmusic.com/home/
Follow Josh Charles on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/joshcharles
Become a fan on his Facebook Page:
Misty's Musings 
Tom Barnes said,
October 6, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Great job as usual, Misty! I think your style is finding itself, and your interviews are getting better all the time! keep up the great work!