Crown Prince Waterford facts for kids

Solomon Charles Waterford (born October 26, 1916, died February 1, 2007) was a talented American singer. He was known as Crown Prince Waterford. He sang jazz and blues music, recording many songs in the 1940s and 1950s. He worked with famous musicians like Jay McShann and Pete Johnson.

Early Life and Music Career

Charles Waterford was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His parents were musicians, and they encouraged him to sing. When he was a teenager, he lived in Oklahoma City. In 1936, he sang with a band called Leslie Sheffield's Rhythmaires. Famous musicians like Charlie Christian played in this band.

He tried out for Andy Kirk's 12 Clouds of Joy band in Chicago. He joined them and became a 'blues shouter.' This meant he sang blues songs with a powerful, loud voice. He performed with this band in the late 1930s and early 1940s. He also spent some time serving in the United States Army during World War II.

By 1944, he was performing regularly in Chicago nightclubs. He joined Jay McShann's band, taking the place of singer Walter Brown. He recorded several songs with McShann's band for the Philo record label in Los Angeles. One of these songs was "Crown Prince Boogie." After this song, he started calling himself "The Crown Prince Of The Blues."

After a few months, Jimmy Witherspoon took his place in McShann's band, and Waterford returned to Chicago. Around 1946, he recorded his own song, "Girl Friend Blues." He was credited as "Crown Prince" Charlie Waterford for the Hy-Tone label. The next year, he recorded for Aladdin and Capitol in Los Angeles. For Capitol, he sang with a band led by Maxwell Davis and featured pianist Pete Johnson.

Later Recordings and Ministry

In 1949, he recorded for King Records in Cincinnati. He worked with musicians like Harold Land and Joe Thomas. After this, he recorded less often.

He recorded for Excello in 1959. In the early 1960s, he tried to join the popular twist dance craze. He released songs for the Orbit label as "Crown Prince Waterford and his Twistologists."

As new music styles became popular, he decided to leave the music business. In 1965, he became an ordained minister, known as the Rev. Charles Waterford. He started several churches in northern Florida. He also recorded a gospel album called The Reverend Waterford Sings.

Return to Music and Final Years

After he retired from being a minister, he contacted the organizers of the Springing The Blues festival. This festival takes place in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. In 2002, at 85 years old, he performed there with a band led by pianist Jim McKaba. They also recorded an album together called All Over But The Shoutin'.

Waterford passed away in Jacksonville in 2007, at the age of 90. He was buried at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Discography

Compilation album

• Shoutin' The Blues - Complete recordings with Jay McShan and Pete Johsnon, Oldie Blues (1985)