‘The Bobby Charles Story’: the life and music that brings together the sounds of the Louisiana swamp, Chicago R&B, and Woodstock, NY

A new box set traces songwriter Bobby Charles’s life and music, connecting Louisiana roots, 1950s and 1960s rhythm and blues, and the Woodstock scene. Its release highlights Charles’s distinctive place among the musicians who shaped the sound of Woodstock, despite his relative lack of fame.

Released on 30 October by The Last Music Company, the collection spans 122 recordings across seven CDs and nearly eight hours. It also includes a hardback book with interviews, essays and unseen photographs, plus a DVD of David Dubos’s 2024 documentary about Charles. Raised on Cajun and Creole music, Charles was inspired by Fats Domino and wrote songs Domino recorded, including “Walking to New Orleans”.