Charles Connor on Swoop’s World Late Night

Charles Connor

On Wednesday June 19, 2013 at 8pm/PDT (10pm/CDT, 11pm/EDT) we are happy to welcome legendary drummer Charles Connor to Swoop’s World Late Night. Connor is best known for being the original drummer for Little Richard. He has throughout the years played with many well known artists. Connor is also credited with creating a unique style of drumming that can be heard used by some of the most influential rock drummers to this day. Join us as we have a chance to get to know Charles and learn about his life and experiences, people and, music that influenced him. We will also be joined in studio this week with a very special return of past guest and guest co-host Stacy Lupinacci. Stacy will join us to guest co-host again and it’s sure to be a fun time. After our interview with Charles Connor we’ll be up to all of our usual fun with Brewskis beer tasting segment, TBones Timeout, as well as our take on all topics, and any interesting news stories of the day. We’ll also be simulcast by AM1670 – Dewberry Jam Community Radio – San Antonio, TX. Swoop’s World Late Night is on Wednesday’s from 8pm/PDT – 11pm/PDT tune in at Swoopsworld.com.
Charles Connor
Charles “Keep-A-Knockin” Connor, original drummer for Little Richard, created the unique “Choo Choo Train” style of successive eighth notes with a loud backbeat used by nearly all subsequent Rock ‘n’ Roll drummers and, in fact, his drumsticks are on display at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

Inspired by such notables as Bob Alden, Art Blakey, Charles Otis, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Max Roach, Connor dreamed big and diligently spent all his spare time working towards his goal of becoming “a professional drummer.” His hard work paid off at age 12 when he began playing drums for local parties and wedding receptions, but his “professional” career began at 15 when Roy “Professor Longhair” Byrd hired him as a last-minute replacement for the 1950 Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

At 18, Connor joined flamboyant Little Richard’s original road band, The Upsetters, his joy marred only by the deep racial intolerance the band had to endure. Connor says, “[Black] musicians back then didn’t have Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to motivate them. We had to find inspiration from our faith and within our hearts.”

When Little Richard “retired” for the ministry in 1957, legendary performer Sam Cooke took over The Upsetters and Connor again toured the United States. During breaks between bookings, Connor toured with other talented artists like Jackie Wilson, the original Coasters, and “Big” Joe Turner. He recorded with “Champion” Jack Dupree, Larry Williams, Don Covay, “Papa” George Lightfoot, Christine Kitrell, Larry Birdsong, and Dee Clark.

Multi-talented Connor is now an Active Musician, Songwriter, Entrepreneur, does Voice-overs, gives Private Drum lessons and makes Personal Appearances. He’s also a Motivational Public Speaker with several issues particularly close to his heart, like sharing his experience and anecdotes on the African and down-island origins of Black popular music to stimulate public awareness and appreciation of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rhythm and Blues.

His influence and distinctive four-bar drum intro can still be heard on such songs as Led Zeppelin’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll” from the “Led Zeppelin IV” album.

After our interview with Charles Connor we’ll be up to all of our usual fun including “Brewskis” Beer Tasting sponsored by DrinksWinesSpirits.com, sports talk, rants and more.