Charlie Royce

On the heels of learning of Jessica's passing I learned that my friend Charlie Royce passed this weekend also. Charlie and Angie are such kind warm hearted people, wonderful musicians, and support the arts in a big way. Charlie helped sponsor a concert series that I was so honored to be asked to be a part of it which ended up being my CD release party for my last CD "Jubilee". They also were so kind to come out and support me when I received the 2014 West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year Award, and remember their daughter sitting in during the evening. The bottom picture was when I went to see Hark Up play and that's my brother Mike in the back. The memory that sticks out to me however was the first picture of Charlie and Angie that I took. It was New Year's Eve at the Air Museum in Battle Creek, and we had a gig but it was a wedding not a NYE Party. 2nd one I've played like that. I remember I was really sick and it was too late to get a sub. I remember having a fever and just feeling awful so I tried to keep my distance from everyone, but Charlie was like man, pull up a chair, you can't be alone all night. He was so kind and looking out for me and really always supporting me in my career. Much love and prayers to Angie and family.