Check Out Jimmy Charles’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Charles

Hi Jimmy , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Growing up in Ocean City, Maryland I found my love for music and particularly “Country Music’ at a young age singing with my Dad on the couch. He loved traditional Country and taught me songs from Willie Nelson, George Jones, John Prine, Merle Haggard and many more. None of my friends in school were listening to this type of music. I’m thankful for my Dad for instilling traditional country music in me and giving me a true sense of the roots of the genre and where it began. In my opinion no-one should be creating and singing country music without understanding and respecting where it began and the artists that brought it to life. I really fell in love with the story telling and honesty of Country music. As they say “Three chords and the Truth” that’s all you need. I then began writing my own songs at the young age of just 15.
I was always in chorus and select chorus in middle school and high school but sports was my focus. A closet singer or just to close friends and family I really didn’t start performing out live until after my last college football game at Towson University. I was definitely shy to perform live but I was taken back by the overwhelmingly great response. From there I tried out for a show called Nashville Star and made it to the top 50 out of 45,000 people who auditioned. With this new found confidence and belief in myself, paired with my adoration for country music and creating music I dropped everything and moved to Nashville without knowing a single person. I began performing 7 nights a week at Tootsies and Rippy’s on DT Broadway. This began the grind with developing my chops and showmanship. The shows were grueling.lasting 4 hrs with no breaks.. Many times would end up doing doubles and even a cpl triples. Broadway gave me years of experience in a short time although I spent many years playing broadway. In 2010 I went to Hollywood for American Idol making the top 50 out of 110,000 people who auditioned. Then it was back to the grind. I would drive hours in a van with my band mates to play a weekend of shows for very little money and then of course back to broadway. I did this for 10 years. At that time I was writing my own music and figuring out my recording voice and sound. I wrote a song called “Superman” during this time with a Cancer survivor. The subsequent music video trending #1 for weeks on CMT. The song became the mantra for the non profit Zero the End of Prostate Cancer and began a mission and journey for me traveling to cites all across the US to sing the song to survivors at Walk/Runs raising money for the organization and spreading awareness for early detection. I then wrote another survivor anthem “We Are Warriors” which joined the fight and encouraged people to fight on and know they are never alone. It was a moving and emotional journey that lasted about 8 years.
Fast forward to today I finally cut the cord on DT Broadway, got married and have a 5 year old son. I wrote a song when he was born called “They Grow Up Too Fast” which is what everyone kept saying to me to watch out for. It ended up being my biggest song to date. Going viral on TikTok, FB and Instagram reels the song is used in capturing the sweetest memories of families and their children growing up. The song has over 20 Million + collective organic streams and growing. It’s a timeless song that will carry on for generations to come. In 2022 I wrote a song called “It’s a Maryland Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand”. The song is all about the things that make Maryland unique. It blew up in the Home State and immediately gave me a boost to bigger stages and winning MD Music Awards “Country Artist of the Year”. The exciting journey continues today traveling all over the country and even to places like Cabo and Hawaii, releasing more original music and opening for some of the biggest artists in music. I recently partnered with Fordham Lee Distillery that makes Bourbon, Liqueurs and moonshine. Also partnered with Fred Frederick that wrapped a brand new Ram truck in a MD flag and is always waiting for me when I return to MD for shows becoming a staple in the State. 2024 ended with a bang!  Performing Country Calling festival for 55,000 people opening for Riley Green, Jelly Roll, Eric Church and more. 2025 is going to be another amazing year. Can’t wait!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have definitely “Paid my Dues” to get where I am today. It has been an up and down struggle. I was broke for so long and struggled to pay my bills or even groceries but I never gave up even after having my car repossessed while I was singing of little kids cancer research and having to sleep on friends couches. I had many other jobs in the restaurant business waiting tables and bartending painting houses, valeting cars and more. This business has tested me both physically and emotionally and broke me down to almost nothing but you find out who you are and what you’re made of. Proud to have never given up and where I stand today with so much accomplished and so much ahead.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am a very passionate and soulful Country Singer that is either bringing the party or using my platform and music to benefit a multitude of causes and creating music that is both fun and inspiring.. I balance fun with family and morals to be a positive influence in those lives I touch. My music and efforts have brought people out of dark places and even saved lives. We have raised millions for charities and I will do more of that as my platform continues to grow!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

The music business is forever evolving. We already have seen a major shift to the importance of streaming versus radio play and of course social media and the huge focus of TikTok and influencers that can send a song viral reaching millions. Corporate radio and the massive curated streaming playlists as well as many large stages will continue to be controlled by the major labels but with the internet and socials etc it opens the door for iIndependent artists such as myself to reach and grow their audience and build a successful and fruitful career. I don’t foresee any major shifts in the near future and excited for all that is ahead. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jimmycharlesmusic.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimmycharlesmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmycharlesmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyCharles
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jimmy_charles_music