Charlie Wilson, aka Uncle Charlie, was the focus of a double celebration in Hollywood this week, aka Grammy Week. The singer-songwriter and former frontman of The Gap Band not only received the 2,770th star on Tinseltown’s legendary Walk of Fame on Jan. 29, he also rang in his 71st birthday that same day. Also joining Wilson for the momentous occasion were fellow music stars Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Babyface, Snoop Dogg, Kanye “Ye” West, Chanté Moore and Tyler, the Creator.
Upping the occasion’s emotional quotient was the fact that during a very low point in his career, Wilson was an addict living on the streets of Hollywood. Now sober for 29 years, Wilson is also a prostate cancer survivor of 16 years.
“This star represents not only my journey,” said Wilson, “but the power of resilience, faith and unwavering support of those who believe in you.”
Jimmy “Jam” Harris, one-half of the Grammy-winning production/songwriting team with Terry Lewis, emceed the event, noting, “Charlie’s showmanship remains unmatched.”
Stepping up to the podium to pay additional tribute were Babyface, Snoop Dogg and Wilson’s longtime manager Michael Paran.
Kanye West, Tyler, The Creator, Terry Steven Lewis, Jimmy Jam, Babyface and Chanté Moore attend the ceremony as Charlie Wilson is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Jan. 29, 2024, in Hollywood, Calif.
Describing the lessons that Wilson taught him about showmanship, business and family as “a treasure,” Snoop Dogg said, “To have somebody like you to stay in my life and be there for me and my family, it means the world to me, Charlie.”
Grammy-winning icon Babyface remarked, “The fact of who showed up here for Charlie shows why he needs a star because he’s got the best students in the world.”
Paran, also president/CEO of P Music Group, called Wilson “a true powerhouse whose energy comes from his pure hunger to bring joy to others.”
Alongside his late brothers/group co-founders Robert and Ronnie, Wilson scored a string of classic hits during The Gap Band’s ’70s/’80s heyday such as “Burn Rubber on Me,” “Outstanding” and “Yearning for Your Love.” Heading out on his own in 1992, Wilson has since left his own imprint on a host of R&B hits, among them “There Goes My Baby,” “I’m Blessed” featuring T.I., “Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” “One I Got” and his guest turn on Snoop Dogg’s “Beautiful.”
The 13-time Grammy nominee and indefatigable live performer recently released his latest single “Superman.”