Charles Anthony Bernard Graci, better known to the world as ‘CHARLIE GRACIE,’ was born on May 14th, 1936 in South Philadelphia to Santo (‘Sam’) and Mary Graci (nee Cappizzi), both first generation Sicilian-Americans. Charlie has been making music for 71 years. He was the first Rock n’ roll Star to arise from South Philadelphia.

In 1946 at the age of 10, his father bought him a guitar instead of a new suit and gave him these words of advice: “Pick an instrument out. Make something of yourself! I don’t want you to work like a jackass as I have all my life.”Charlie’s dad labored in grueling conditions at the Stetson hat factory.