A couple of short weeks ago, we lost a true giant of the blues community, Charles K White.

The Houston Blues Society, in collaboration with Thomas McLendon, will be hosting ‘A Celebration Of Life’ at The Big Easy (5731 Kirby Drive, 77005) on Sunday, September 16, from 3-7pm.

All HBS Members and all friends of Charlie and the wider blues community are invited to join us, as we honor this wonderful man’s legacy, with shared memories and live music featuring some of Houston’s blues legends.

We’d appreciate it if you’ll share this news!

Please continue reading a tribute to Charlie by blues historian Dr Roger Wood…

“Charlie White, one of the founding members of the Houston Blues Society, passed away on August 14, 2018, at the age of 88. Though in declining health, the distinctive white-haired gentleman most recently attended the HBS-sponsored 2018 Houston Blues Challenge finals, where he enjoyed not only the live music but also the opportunity to reunite with many old friends. That event last April also prompted Charlie to reflect with pride on the enduring legacy of HBS, the nonprofit organization that he had helped create by drafting its original Bylaws and by serving as its first Parliamentarian.

Born in Belton, Texas, on May 15, 1930, Charlie later moved with his family to nearby Waco, where he graduated from Waco High School and attended Baylor University. In 1954 he settled permanently in Houston, where he worked as an electrical draftsman for various companies over the years. An ardent proponent of local education and progressive causes, Charlie volunteered with Citizens for Good Schools, as well as the Harris County Democratic Party. Additionally, he was a longtime supporter of KPFT-FM radio, the ACLU, Amnesty International, the NAACP, and other organizations committed to social justice. A music lover, Charlie also booked and managed some local bands and performers, eventually consolidating those efforts via a company known as Young Artists. He regularly participated in the South-By-Southwest music conference too.

Though he truly loved all kinds of music, including opera and classical, Charlie had a special fondness for the blues. Over the years he developed friendships with many Houston blues musicians, including the legendary Sam “Lightnin'” Hopkins. Charlie also frequented historic local venues such as the Jimmy Menutis Club, Van’s Ballroom, and The Reddi Room, where he came to know the bandleader Milton Hopkins. That background served Charlie well when he, Sonny Boy Terry and other enthusiasts organized and launched the Houston Blues Society in 1993. Though less active in more recent years, Charlie retained to the end his love of not only blues music but the community from which it came.”

Our thanks to Colin King for the artwork, and to Roger for the beautifully-crafted tribute.