Charles is from Gainesville, Ga. and played in the Breanau Symphony Orchestra while in high school. Charles completed his Music Education degree from Breanau. While in college he played in the University of Georgia Redcoat Band and Georgia State University Band, and traveled with a local group, "Riverstreet", for several years, including opening concert act for such groups as Ray Charles, The Grass Roots, Martin Mull, and The Greg Allman Band. He was in a backup band with "Bits and Pieces" for Billy Joe Royal, The Platters and The Drifters. He played in and arranged music for the 15 piece big band "American Patrik". He is excited to be reunited with the "Pieces of Eight" and looks forward to each new engagement.