Nationally recognized musician, music arranger, writer, composer and soloist, has continued to achieve musical excellence in all facets of the Gospel Music Field. Charles is a member as well as Minister of Praise and Worship for the Second Ebenezer Church of Detroit, under the Pastorage of Dr. Edgar L. Vann. Charles is a graduate of Western Michigan University (B.S. in Music and Communications), as well as Marygrove College (Masters of Education). A member of the Professional Music Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia as well as the Choral Instructor of the Highland School District of Highland Park, MI.
At an early age, Charles Curry was encouraged to sing, by his family and Church family, the Alpha and Omega Spiritual Church of Christ under the guidance of the late Pastor Emanuel Evans, and current Pastor James E. Curry Jr. (Bishop). He continued his musical journey under the Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ. He was taught that true musicianship was not only head knowledge, but Holy Spirit directed. Under this influence were some great musicians in the likes of The Famous Craig Brothers, Uncle Ralph Good Pasture from the First Church of Deliverance of Chicago, Ill, and Dr. Michael L. Charles of Kansas City, as well as others. Robert Fryson of Washington, D.C. was the musical instrument used to guide him and encouraged him not to copy others, but use the unique gift God has given him in music. He was given the opportunity to lead a song with the Voices of Deliverance, given to him by the late Donald Vails, the song was entitled “Thank You Lord For One More Day” at Greater Grace Church of Detroit.
Charles’ musical journey continued as he moved from Alpha and Omega Spiritual Church of Christ. He then was led to Mount Zion New Covenant under Bishop Charles L. Middleton, Sr.. He was given the opportunity to grow and learn from other minstrels on how to perfect his musical gift. Min. Rudolph Stanfield, through God, opened up a door for an opportunity to sing with the well-renown singer Aretha Franklin. Charles was asked to sing background with Ms. Franklin at the 1992 National Democratic Convention in New York for the former President, President Clinton, the Apollo Theater, as well as singing background in the Movie Malcolm X. Charles was an active member of the group Rudolph Stanfield and New Revelations. He was given the chance to submit one of his songs as well as lead the song “He Will Remember” off the album Live and In Praise II. This brought him more musical recognition.
Through the recommendation of Min. Jefferey LeValley of Flint, MI, Charles was given the opportunity to sing on the International Praise Team for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship under the musical direction of Min. Byron Cage, and the spiritual direction of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. for nine consecutive years. He continued on this team singing with many noted gospel artist (Marvin Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Bebe Winans, Elder William Murphy III, Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins as well as others). Charles was asked to accompany Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. to South African on a mission’s trip to sing on the praise and worship team. This was a life changing experience for him. Later in his career, Charles was asked by the renown Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole of the Clark Sisters, to sing her arrangement of God Bless America for the Mayoral Inaugural Service for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Currently, Charles serves as the Minister of Praise and Worship for the United Pentecostal Churches of Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Larry D. Trotter. To his credit as he grows more in the knowledge of Christ, he is led by God when ministering to God’s people in song.
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