Charlie Hargrett
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Charlie Hargrett | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 11, 1949 Yonkers, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Southern rock, hard rock |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1970–current |
| Associated acts | Blackfoot, Hargrett - Thomas Band, Dixie All-Stars, Black Molly |
Charlie Hargrett is an American musician best known as one of the founding members and former lead guitarist of the southern rock band, Blackfoot (band) [1]. Along with the three other original band members, Rickey Medlocke (vocals, guitar), Greg T. Walker (bass guitar) and Jakson Spires (drums), Blackfoot was officially formed in 1970.
Early life[edit]
Charlie Hargrett was born in Yonkers, New York on February 11th, 1949. His interest in playing stringed instruments started at a very young age, learning ukulele at age 6 and then receiving his first guitar at age 8. He took a few guitar lessons early on, but was mostly self-taught. Charlie relocated to Jacksonville, FL at age 14 and met drummer Jakson Spires in 1967 at summer school and became very good friends. The four of them had played in many different bands with each other, but never all together. In 1970, they assembled and formed Blackfoot.
Blackfoot Era 1970 - 1984[edit]
The band went through struggles and growing pains through the 1970's. In 1979 the Strikes (album) was released, their 3rd studio production. This album pushed the band into commercial success hitting the charts and going platinum. Charlie was firmly planted as a southern rock guitar legend with his high powered solos[2] such as heard in the hit single, Highway Song. In 1980, the band released the album Tomcattin', followed by Marauder in 1981 and Siogo in 1983. These albums were met with less popularity and lower chart ratings than the Strikes release. With waning record sales and band management wanting to "modernize" the image of the band, Charlie reluctantly left Blackfoot in 1984.
1984 - 2004[edit]
Shortly after leaving Blackfoot, Charlie took a position as a guitar technician working in the repair shop of a local Gainesville, Florida music store. He continued working there for 5 years until the opportunity came along to join the Dixie All-Stars in 1989[3]. Approximately 5 years later, Hargrett left the All-Stars and subsequently, he and Molly Hatchet bass guitarist, Banner Thomas formed the Hargrett-Thomas band and the band Black Molly. Dean Guitars and Ernie Ball Guitar Strings picked up Hargrett as a sponsor.
Blackfoot Era 2004 - 2011[edit]
In 2004, Hargrett reunited with the original Blackfoot members Walker and Spires. Medlocke was happy with his gig playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd, so he declined the invitation. Bobby Barth took the position as lead vocalist. On March 16th 2005, tragedy struck the band when drummer and songwriter Jakson Spires died from complications of a brain aneurysm [4]. The band made the decision that Spires would want them to continue playing rock-n-roll music, so they contacted and hired Christoph Ullmann to take over the position as drummer. Over the next 6 years Hargrett played with Blackfoot while several other personnel changes were made. In 2011, Hargrett again left Blackfoot.
2011 - Current[edit]
Since leaving Blackfoot, Charlie has been enjoying semi-retirement at his Florida home. He continues to play as a special guest guitarist at shows including The Rock Legends Cruise and Southern Woodstock Festival. In 2019, Charlie formed a new band, Trigger City.
References[edit]
- ↑ "Blackfoot (band)". Wikipedia. 2017-09-03.
- ↑ "Top 10 Southern Rock Songs". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
- ↑ "Swampland:Charlie Hargrett". swampland.com. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
- ↑ "BLACKFOOT Drummer JAKSON SPIRES Dies Of Brain Aneurysm". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2005-03-16. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
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