Charlie Gracie was a star in the early days of rock and roll known for the song “Butterfly.”
- Died: Friday, December 16, 2022. (Who else died on December 16?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 86.
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Influential early rocker
Charlie Gracie was born Charles Graci in Philadelphia. He performed on local radio shows as a teenager and was signed by Cadillac Records owner Graham Prince, releasing a series of singles on the label. His career took off when he signed with Cameo Records in 1956. That led to his smash hit song “Butterfly,” which was a number one hit in 1957. Later that year, he had his only other top 40 hit with the song “Fabulous.” He toured with Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, and good friend Eddie Cochran. Gracie starred in the movie “Jamboree” in 1957 which featured Dick Clark and Fats Domino. He was popular in England as he was the second rock act to tour the UK, and influenced Paul McCartney, who covered his song “Fabulous” in 1999 on his album “Run Devil Run.” Gracie continued to tour and record, releasing his last album “Angle on My Shoulder” in 2015.
Tributes to Charlie Gracie
Full Obituary: Billboard
