Charles recalls the day he met Ray Charles and reflects on that very special moment in time. Charles was backstage and Ray's show manager introduced the two. Ray expressed his blessings and then the two embraced.

You Got The
Right Act Baby...
Charles Middleton as Ray Charles.

        Charles Middleton was born in Franklin, Louisiana. At the age of six, his father bought him a clarnet, introducing Charles to music for the first time. He played in the school band and eventually joined the school and church choir. His family moved to Houston, Texas and then finally made the move to Los Angeles, California. Charles pursued his music in LA, and soon joined a singing group called "The Jaguars".

        The group began while members were still in high school. They had success with several regional hits, the biggest of which was a version of Jerome Kerns' "The Way You Look Tonight" and "Thinking Of You", which were later recorded by The Latterman.

        Although "The Jaguars" never made Billboard's national singles or album charts, the group did play an early 1960's tour of Sweden, headlining over the Beatles, before Beatlemania was in full swing. They also played several shows with Richie Valens and other rock pioneers like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jackie Wilson. The group stayed together and performed from 1956 through 1989, which was the last year they recored together.

        Charles had several other jobs while pursuing his dream to sing. He worked as an air craft mechanic, a ship builder, construction, owner of a restaurant, and even a vacuum cleaner salesman.

        In 1992, Charles made the move to Las Vegas. One night while at a karaoke bar someone suggested that he looked like Ray Charles.

        Charles remembers the time when he was singing "My Funny Valentine" to his then girlfriend, now his wife, and people began to comment on his resemblance to Ray. He then ran to his car, got a pair of sunglasses, and came back to perform "I Can't Stop Loving You". His performance was such a hit, that this inspired him to pursue his impression of Ray Charles. With some homework and practice, he has perfected his act and has performed his impression of brother Ray ever since.

        
He became so well known for his Ray Charles impersonation, that he was hired to appear for the movie Super Dave, as well as, the 1997 half time show at the Hoilday Bowl in San Diego, California.

        
Charles was also featured as Ray Charles in the You Gotta Have It TV commercial for Pepsi Cola, this was a highlight for him.

        
In addition to his Ray Charles tribute, he continues to pursue an acting career. He has been featured in a TV commercial for Federal Express, and has appeared on such TV shows as General Hospital and The Watcher.

        
He has appeared in the following movies "No Way Out", "Big Business", Mel Brooks' "Life Stinks" and Eddie Murphy's "Coming to America". Charles has also been featured on A&E, HBO, Showtime, and USA cable networks.

        
His live show as Ray Charles comes equipped with full an orchestra, back-up singers, and a comedian.

         Ch
arles has become well known and respected for his Ray Charles impersonation, especially in his hometown, Las Vegas. He continues to work non-stop. His Las Vegas hotel performances include Caesar Palace, Mirage, Dunes, Riveria, Tropicana, Sands, Aladdin, Stardust, Golden Nugget, Desert Inn, and New York, New York.

         "My most wonderful experience to date as Mr. Charles, was a two week Australian promotional tour to promote M&M and Mars confectionery. I got Aussified"."
       Great entertainment for the entire family! Follow the links on this page to learn more and also view the schedule for Mr. Charles. You do not want to miss the chance to spend an evening with him! Remember to visit the "photos" link for some great pictures of Mr. Charles during his travels.
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