Charlie McClendon

Charlie McClendon was born in 1928 in Barnsville, Georgia, USA. He was drafted into the army in 1953. He completed his basic training just as the Korean War was coming to an end. He was stationed in France and Germany and served out his final tour of duty at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. In addition to his work with the Magnificents, Charlie was often hired to back up larger national acts that performed in the area. Because of its location and vital music scene, Norfolk was often the starting point for the various R&B package tours that traveled throughout the South. Charlie backed up the likes of Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, and others. Later, after joining the Goodwill Gospel Church, Charlie has ceased singing R&B music and turned his attention exclusively to gospel. His first gospel group was the Sounds of Glory. He later started a new band, Charlie McClendon and the New Beginnings. Owner of Charlie McClendon Studios.