Christian Knight Comics and Media: November 2012

November 4, 2012

Featured Profile: Charlie Peacock

Charles William Ashworth (born , August 10, 1956) better known by the stage name Charlie Peacock is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, session musician and author. While growing up in California, Peacock began playing the piano. After completing his education he formed a band and began a career as a professional musician. His albums include the instrumental jazz recordings Love Press Ex-Curio and Arc of the Circle (Runway) and his latest vocal project No Man's Land (101). Peacock has been part of the creative team for several successful songs and albums including Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" (1991), Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move" (2003) and the The Civil Wars' album Barton Hollow in 2011.

In 1978, songwriter Stephen Holsapple recorded Peacock's vocal compositions and they began writing songs together. Peacock started performing at Maurice's American Bar and his song "So Attractive" was placed with a music publisher. Vocalist and songwriter Sal Valentino asked Peacock to join his band and gave Peacock's music to his industry friends. Finally in 1980 A&M Records signed Peacock for a demo recording with producer David Kahne. Peacock formed a band called The Charlie Peacock Group with Erik Kleven (bass), Jim Caselli (drums), Darius Babazadeh (tenor saxophone) and guitarist, Mark Herzig. Peacock also recorded with David Kahne at the Automatt and at Moon Studios with Stephen Holsapple during this period and those recordings became the album Last Vestiges of Honor which was released in 1998. Peacock contracted with a production imprint company called Exit Records in early 1983 and released his own debut solo album Lie Down In The Grass in 1984. Later that year Peacock began touring as an opening act for The Fixx, Let's Active, General Public, Missing Persons, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Peacock moved to Island Records and recorded a self-titled album that was released in 1986. During this period Peacock also began playing jazz in an electric improvisational band called, Emperor Norton. The band consisted of Peacock, Brent Bourgeois, Larry Tagg, Bongo Bob Smith, Henry Robinett, and Aaron Smith. After being released from Island records in 1988 Peacock joined Jimmy Abegg and Vince Ebo to form an acoustic trio that toured the USA and Europe. In 1987, Peacock's song ("Down In The Lowlands") was recorded by contemporary Christian artist Russ Taff with Peacock singing background vocals. That same year Peacock produced the Christian band, The Choir. He then co-wrote songs with Margaret Becker in the fall of 1988 and the subsequent album, Immigrant's Daughter was nominated for a Grammy award. Peacock moved to Nashville in the Summer of 1989 and received a recording contract with Sparrow Records. His recording, The Secret of Time was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1990 (Best Rock Gospel) as Peacock continued to perform production and session musician work with Al Green, Twila Paris, and Amy Grant. He co-wrote Grant's No. 2 single "Every Heartbeat". Read More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Peacock

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Charlie Peacock - Lie Down In The Grass from “Lie Down In The Grass” (1984)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDdYrlifxJ8

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Charlie Peacock - Only Love Will Hold Fast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRrTktdcLPk

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Charlie Peacock Acoustic Trio - Down In The Lowlands - Live In The Netherlands (1988) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEUb02Dkk7c