INDUCTED: January 14, 2014
PRESENTED: November 22, 2014
Charles was born on August 31, 1942
OHIO BACKGROUND
Charles lived in Cincinnati, Ohio
LIFE & HISTORICAL EVENTS
Charles Novell was born in southwest Virginia. In 1961 he moved to Cincinnati to attend the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where he earned a doctorate of music degree.
Charles moved to Georgia where he continues his music ministry.
GOSPEL MUSIC MINISTRY
He first formed a quartet in his church but they soon disbanded.
He later helped form a trio called the Galileans, but as this name had been used by another group, in 1967 the group became the Regents. In 1971 the group purchased a 4104 bus from Sammy Hall. After a severe bus accident in 1973 the group started traveling by car until they stopped singing in 1976.
At which time, Charles took a position as music minister within his local church.
He has been involved in Gospel Music as a songwriter, arranger, recording producer, vocal coach, teacher and performer as well as being a virtuoso pianist.
Charles has produced and played on numerous recordings, including national artists such as, Perfect Heart, The Blackwood Brothers, J.D. Sumner, & The Stamps, and The Kingsmen, The Hoppers, Jerry Goff, and Bill Baize.
Charles has been the vocal coach and teacher for a number of the nation’s southern gospel artist including, The Blackwood Brothers, Kenny Bishop, Garry Sheppard, The Isaacs, Craig Nobles, Ivan Parker, Jeff Stice, David Brooks, and Charlotte Richie.
As a recording producer he has worked in the studio with such artists as Perfect Heart, The Blackwood Brothers, J.D. Sumner, & The Stamps, The Kingsmen, The Hoppers, Jerry Goff, Bill Baize, Bobby Clark, Lavern Tripp, Steve Brock and many more.
Charles provided keyboard for a number of recordings completed by QCA Records.
In 2002 Gaylen Blosser started the Midwest Gospel Singing Convention. This was a three day singing event and Charles emcee for the first four years.
Charles Novell School of Music is carrying on a tradition that started in 1924 with Gospel Music legend V.O. Stamps. In 1978, J.D. Sumner, bass singer with the Stamps Quartet, asked Charles to head up the school. The name was changed to Charles Novell School of Music and is held annually in Murray, Kentucky.
SONGS / AWARDS / RECOGNITION
“I have been attending this school for almost 40 years. I look forward to CNS every year. It’s the highlight of my year”
WORDS OF WISDOM
Charles tells us, “Those groups that are to continue will need to adjust to the changes. Today’s congregation no longer wants to sit back and simply listen, they want to be a part of the worship.”