*R&B Pioneer Charlie Wilson dropped his memoir, “I Am Charlie Wilson,” and it’s being described as an engaging story that cites a variety of life-lessons, including establishing a relationship with God, forgiveness, love, self-love, music, family, and standing strong through moments of adversity.
The book also touches on the highs and lows of superstardom as a group member and solo artist, as well as Wilson’s battle with substance abuse and homelessness.
Sober for 20 years now, the singer/songwriter/producer has influenced many R&B and Hip-Hop artists, including Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones.
Uncle Charlie took time out of his busy touring schedule to talk with Singersroom about his family, overcoming addiction and the memoir. Below are highlights from the interview, which you can read in full here. Additionally, you can purchase “I Am Charlie Wilson.”
On the memoir, “I Am Charlie Wilson”: My goal when I decided to write the book was to inspire people and let them know that they can get out of a bad situation, especially when they feel like there’s no way out. I want people to know my story so that they can be somebody even if they have come across a few hardships in their lives. I feel like once my fans read my book, it will be a gateway for people to start making some changes in their lives. You should get up, try again, and never give up. Like I said before, my overall goal was to inspire and impact their lives when I wrote the book.
On writing about the darkest times: It was crazy hard to write about the drugs, alcohol, and homelessness because it was a dark period in my life at that time. It was hard to get through, but I made it through. I didn’t want to point a finger at anyone because as you get older, you start taking responsibility for your actions. When I was writing about those things, there were so many emotions, and I had a moment to reflect on that period of my life. I would have my good and bad days because, in those days, I was very loud and bitter. Denene Miller, my co-writer, also encouraged me to express my thoughts and feelings about this specific stage in my life. I would say she definitely challenged me, and that’s what I needed. It reminded me that I’ve come a long way, and I can only keep moving forward in my life.
On forgiving his father: Before my father passed away, I got a chance to talk to him, and he was the one that encouraged me to go solo. He was like, ‘it’s time for me to do it on my own’. He felt like it was my calling. I love my father, and I closed that chapter in my life when I was angry with him. We were able to talk and forgive each other and move on. It wasn’t easy, but we did it, and it was the right thing for me to do as a man.
On rebuilding his relationship with his daughters: I talk to my daughters and my relationship with them is a lot stronger. They were on the road with me when they were smaller so they were around me when I would perform. They were so happy to see when I got sober and cleaned up. I am just so happy that I can be around for them, alive, healthy, and in good spirits.
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