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Charles Brent Obituary
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Felix Skelton Jr
April 24, 2024
I know it's REALLY late uncle. for this message. But I just wanted to let you know. That I will always love you, and I wish you was still down here too! But that being said .Rest In Peace unc! :(
John Tassistro
November 30, 2022
Charles was a musical genius. Composing music was his gift. Miss a good friend.
Shirley
November 29, 2022
You´ve been gone 16 years, Charlie, but still remembered with a smile and wonderful memories.
So grateful for your friendship. Make heavenly music, dear friend.
Mike Templet
December 24, 2006
I'm sorry, Charlie played sax, not trombone in The New Error.
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Mike Templet
December 23, 2006
I met Charlie in Harahan in the mid 1960's when he was trying to teach my next door neighbor, A.J., guitar. Listening to him inspired me to learn to play. I had'nt seen him until the late 60's when he played trombone with The New Error and I was in The Beggars, both of which shared the same agent. After that our paths would cross about every 5 years or so in some night spot where he would be playing guitar with, I think it was Luther Kent and the Trick Bag. I would stand there in awe watching and listening, and when he would break he would always take the time to shoot the breeze with me about old times. He never forgot who I was and I admired him for that.
What a great loss to the music world.
My Deepest Condolences,
Jimmy Boudreaux
December 19, 2006
At the tender age of 17 When you first joined "The Contours" you skillfully took us to a new level
with your arrangement of Nancy
Wilson's "All My Tomorrows". This
ex "Contours" bass player hopes that
in all of your tomorrows you will feel our sadness,love and devotion.
Larry Cohn
December 12, 2006
Charlie was the single most talented musician I have ever
known, with no exceptions and
I will always treasure the work that we did together as well as
the privilege of knowing him!
Skip Godwin
December 12, 2006
I had the opportunity to work with Charlie in the studio on many occasions. Each time was a greater experience for me than the last. Seldom would a music arraigner or producer show the brilliance that Charlie would. His control and understanding of the musical surroundings constancy brought out his genius.
Evidently, Gabriel needed to increase the size of his heavenly orchestra and decided to hold a chair for Charlie. Listen carefully, and you can hear horn riffs from that orchestra that had never been heard before.
Remember, there is no music in a rest, but there is music making.
Missy O'Neill
December 11, 2006
Miss Shirley:
We all loved Charlie so much. Brian always said that Charlie was a musical genius. He blessed us with his music and humor. I find great comfort that Brian has Charlie with him in heaven. There's some awesome music being played right now. All my love,
SKIP DELL
December 10, 2006
WELL CHARLIE, I GUESS YOU WILL BE DOING "LARGER CHARTS" FOR THE HORN SECTION. WITH YOUR INSPIRED TALENT AND WARM HEART, IT WON'T BE A PROBLEM. MAY GOD KEEP YOU CLOSE TO HIM. YOU WILL BE MISSED...
Deb Brent
December 9, 2006
I have compiled numerous pictures of Charlie and his friends, many of whom wrote wonderful tributes. If you would like a copy of the pictures and tribute, you can email me and I will forward them to you or direct you to the web site.
Deb
Steve "Swami" Swanson
December 9, 2006
They broke the mold when Charles was born. I have been affected by his talent since I knew of him and then, when I met and played with him. Like many gifted people, I don't think he actually knew how many people he has "touched"? As a young CC Rider, I was in awe of his truly original concept of writing. Still am. Using his great guitar voicings over the tops of these beautiful arangements, his soloing ability and of course, his feel. I can't claim to be a close friend of his, but I have tried to keep up with him over the years and he was always warm, funny and just great to talk to and be around. I learned so much from him. I will miss him and our late night talks. God Bless you Charles.
John Tassistro
December 8, 2006
It was 1980 when I walk into a night club called The Blues Saloon. I heard this music and I asked,"What is THAT!", not; What is the name of that Band playing.
The vulgar plucks from the base guitar, accompanied with bellows from a trumbone and tenor saxophone. Tantilizing pichtes from trumpets and alto's, cooled down with sultry hot licks from his lead guitar: that was SOMETHING that we now know as Trick Bag.
Thank you for those arrangements Charlie B. You became a very close friend and I am eternally grateful for that and the time I spent with and around you.
The music world has lost one of it's Finest. In a perfect world you where the middle C on the scale. Always humble and willing to showcase others instead of yourself.
A true New Orleanian you where and the city weeps; another one of it's own will be teaching the Angle's how to Mambo. May you rest in peace,Chas!
Your friend, J.T.
You will always be my MAMBO MAN........
My prayer are with you.
Lenny McDaniel
December 8, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Brent Family. Anyone who encountered Charles M. Brent Jr. on a musical level changed the way they felt about music. I had a chance to work and write with Charlie in High school. His influence and inspiration will always be in my soul. His gift of knowledge and how to spread it around was infectious. Gonna miss you man
Lenny McDaniel
Henderson, Nv.
Joe Fairbanks
December 8, 2006
We all know you left a musical signature Charlie. Now, for a new beginning. God Bless You.
Party Marty & Famollee Prendergast
December 7, 2006
Dear Moma Shirley,
We will miss charile aka ghetto whom i called since the first day i meet him. We shared good time's and we shared alot of good time's. I'll especially never forget the Mother's Day when ghetto mama shirley and i had dinner and went to see little milton at a club in New Orleans we were like a grain of salt in a pepper shaker:') We rocked and rolled all night lonnggggg Mama shirley we love u and take care and if u ever need us call us collect lol happy trails
Party&Famloee,
Randy Emerick
December 7, 2006
It will take some time to realize the deep loss caused by Charlie's passing. He was one of my heroes.
John Seiter
December 7, 2006
Chas
You are so close now and all the "Charlie-isms" I ever heard are ringing in my heart. Our eyes can't seem to clear, when we speak your name. What a "roman candle" ride you had.
Any drummer dreamed of having you in the rhythm section, and you were like driving a mercedes for a singer.
Magic...that's what you were !!
I really thought we had some more music to make together....it hurts to know we won't get that chance again this time around, but I'll know you when I see you, and we'll do it up right then.
Our whole family misses you. There's a hole in our world.
Till soon....LAISEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER !
John, Noela, and Gabriel
Bob Vernon
December 7, 2006
Charlie B was one of the finest musicians and arrangers that ever lived. Many that heard his music and arrangements never knew his name but he touched them. Those of us who were fortunate to work with Charlie will be forever grateful that the greatness of Charlie touched us. RIP, my brother.
Ken Katz
December 7, 2006
Everyone, including me, who was fortunate to have the 'Charlie' experience was better for it than they were before. We are all on loan to each other.
He asked me to email another song on the piano for him. I will go play it for him now.
Ray Fransen
December 7, 2006
Dear Mrs.Brent,
Words cannot express my sympathy
for you and the sense of personal loss I feel at Charlie's passing. He
was a rare and special individual with a talent so deep that I'm not sure that even he grasped completely
the depth of his ability. To know
Charlie musically was to know him personally and vice versa. He was
probably the first one of us that
connected the technique with the soul.
I am so indebted to him personally
because he was always willing to share his knowledge and insights to those of us who were less talented.
To this day, a huge amount of what I teach came from Charlie, perhaps
even more than fom my "formal" education. I can also associate with him some of my life's most
"fun" times as well. He will never
be truly gone because every day all of us who were fortunate enough to
be called his friend will pass on
his spirit and his knowledge to
another audience or another generation of musicians. I will miss him dearly but, I thank you for bringing him to us.
debra brent
December 6, 2006
To Mrs. Brent,
You made many sacrifices and created a brilliant and talented son, whom I will always love. He was and always will be the love of my life.
To Charlie, I've always loved you from the moment I met you, and throughout it all, I always knew you loved me. We had so many fabulous times and you were such a fine, fun, and remarkeable man. What a sense of humor! What a sense and love of family and true friends! What an honorable human being!
He had such an insatiable appetite for learning about any subject. Charlie was interested in more than just music, i.e. Roman and British history, all current events, vocabulary, loved to learn from crossword puzzles, etc.
But albeit, Charlie was the most brilliant at music and now he is singing with the other angels.
Dearest Charlie, Rest in peace, you were loved by so many. And we will be there soon. {by the way, take care of your father and mine while you're there, and play them a little guitar}
Love, Deb
Teddy Ludwig
December 6, 2006
Charlie:
WOW man, what can I say that hasn't been said already. You were a GIANT of a musician/composer/arranger/and friend. I can't began to thank you for our friendship, and the music we made together. I want to especially thank you for getting me in the CC Riders. I hope you and Jaco make beautiful music together up there man. I'll never forget you or the fun we had together. Have a great rest, my brother.
"Once a rider, ALWAYS A RIDER".
Jeff Boudreaux
December 6, 2006
To Charile's family,
I'm just another one of the countless people whom Charlie inspired deeply
with both his musical talent and his sincere kindness. I hope that knowing about all the people who really loved Charlie helps you a little bit during this difficult time.
John Larmann, Jr.
December 6, 2006
Ms. Shirley,
This is "Johnny" - from "The Rivieras". I haven't seen you in a very long time, but I always liked you and Charlie's Dad VERY much. You guys were the "coolest" parents I'd ever met. I have fond memories of you both hanging around the band "practices", always offering support to not just Charlie, but the whole band.
Charlie is one of my OLDEST and BEST friends. I'll miss his talent, I'll miss his friendship, I'll miss all the HELP and Musical encouragement he gave me, and I'll miss CHARLIE.
With my deepest sympathy and heartfelt friendship for both You AND Charlie, I remain,
Johnny
(John R. Larmann, Jr.)
Kenny Cordray
December 5, 2006
Ah Charlie, you were one of the most influential people in my life.
Thank you so much for all the turn on's
musically and personally.The world
was a funkier place because of you.
My sincerest condolences to Shirley Brent and family.
BRYAN LOFLIN
December 5, 2006
You could throw a guitar through a stained glass window and it would sound great.
But, that’s not why I know you.
I met you when I first came to New Orleans. I didn’t know you or what you did. Didn’t care. I tended bar and you were just another jackass. But, you grew on me. Without a sax, without a guitar, long before I heard you play, long before I heard the stories, you became my friend and my brother.
I heard your music later. All the music was gravy. First and foremost, you’re my brother.
FEBU,
Bryan Loflin
Boiling Springs, SC
mike katz
December 5, 2006
Dear Shirley,
Your son inspired many people, both musically and personally.
I am one of those people.
He left us way too soon.
We miss him.
Mike Katz
H. R. Ziifle
December 5, 2006
I only knew Charlie for a short time, but in that time I came to understand that he was a masterful musician, and a very caring person. May God grant you peace.
Karen (Brent) Gibbs
December 5, 2006
You were my favorite cousin. The times we spent in Tylertown, Mississippi were the best. I will miss you dearly.
Benny LeCompte
December 5, 2006
Charlie, what a "ride". Thanks for the tunes man. I especially enjoyed playing all the arrangments, from the Contours to Loyola's Jazz Band, we played them all. My Sympathy to your Mom and Close Friends. You will be missed.
Rodrigo Sáenz
December 5, 2006
Charlie:
Our mutual friend and brother Johnny Vidacovich introduced us in the
Spring of '69, in the basement of the old Loyola College of Music
(seems like yesterday). That Fall I enrolled in Loyola and became the
bass player in the Jazz Band, which featured a lot of your compositions
and arrangements. I was totally blown away with your talent!! You were an extremely gifted musician, man! And then we got to hang out during those years of our youth and I got to experience the uniqueness of your whole persona!
Years later I moved North and we sort of lost touch but I will always
remember the good times we had back in the day.
I'll miss you, brother...
Rodrigo Sáenz
Artie Goleniak
December 5, 2006
I will miss Charles very much. A piece of my soul left me when Charles passed away. He was a great, talented person, and musician. He made me feel at ease to be in his presents. It was a privilege to work with him, and be around him. There’s a void in the music world without him.
Rest in peace
Artie Goleniak
PAUL WALTHER
December 5, 2006
I AM HONORED TO HAVE YOU AS A FRIEND, YOUR MUSIC AND YOUR SPIRIT WILL BE WITH US FOREVER
Cheryl Thornburg
December 5, 2006
All my sympathy and condolences to Mrs. Brent and the family. Charlie's death is a loss to so many people who loved him and appreciated his unique style and musical talents. There will never be another one anywhere near like him. His imprint on music is indelible. His heart and soul will be missed. Peace to you, Charlie.
Glen Barnett
December 5, 2006
It was such a pleasure to listen and savor the soulful music of Charlie and Luther at the A Bar on many occasions.
Charlie was a musical force of nature. Talent such as his will not soon come this way again.
He will be missed by many.
ALLYN ROBINSON
December 5, 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY MY BROTHER, THOSE WHO KNOW US BOTH KNOW WHAT WE HAD AS FRIENDS & COLLABORATORS. I FEEL AS IF I HAVE LOST A PIECE OF MY SOUL, NEVER TO BE REPLACED.MAY YOU BE AT PEACE.
Michael [Harry] Rasch
December 5, 2006
Charlie was a musical talent who could do anything he set his mind to, but who considered himself as a guitar player, who did a few arrangements now and then.
His musical talents and performances were an inspiration to everyone who ever heard him, or listened to his music.
I was fortunate to have known Charlie since high school; to experience some of his earlier talents; to see him develop as a musician and composer; and, my friend will be missed.
I offer my sincere condolences to his entire family.
Frank & Cindy Mayes
December 5, 2006
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Shirley Brent & all the family members of Charlie Brent. Although Frank knew you from the George Clinton days in L.A., I met you on my honeymoon in New Orleans. You offered us work at that time & later, when we moved to N.O., you got me started as a professional music copyist, which I do to this day. Our first recording in New Orleans was with you on the Creole Christmas album.Your influence on my life was so profound & life changing & the pain I feel in my heart is so deep. We love you forever, my brother. Cindy & Frank Mayes
Dr. Jack Burnette, PhD
December 5, 2006
Charlie:
You were such a great influence on New Orleans music as well as my own playing. Whenever Teddy and I would get off our gig he'd would say to me, "Let go hear Luther". He and I would go down and see you, Luther, Allen, and all the guys in Trick Bag and have a blast. I really dug the arrangements man. I still remember those days like they were yesterday. I still appreciate the comments you gave to me 35 years ago at a high school stage band competition you judged at Loyola. I'll never forget them or you.
Bobby Ohler
December 5, 2006
Dear Mrs. Brent,
As parents, my wife Sue and I know what it's like to lose a child. Our hearts go out to you.
Charlie was a man, highly gifted by God, who touched so many in the world of music. We celebrate Charlie as a gift to all of us and
give thanks for having known him.
May he become a staff arranger in Gabriel's band.
TUBBY ZEIGLER
December 5, 2006
CHARLIE ,I WILL MISS HEARING YOUR PLAYING ALOT I LISTEN TO LUTHER RECORDS THAT WE MADE AND I LOVED IT EVERY TIME .I LOVED THE COLORADO
SONGS. YOUR FRIEND TUBBY
Jerry Rousselle
December 5, 2006
You will be sorely missed. Your dedication and knowledge of the New Orleans feel will never be duplicated. You were a great friend and soul brother. May the Almighty shine on you!!
BRUCE ELSENSOHN
December 5, 2006
We had way too much fun on those rides to the gigs and sessions.....I will miss your music and funny side...too much..too soon.
Jackie Larmann
December 5, 2006
Charlie, We will miss you and your musical talent in New Orleans. I enjoyed sending & getting emails from you. I first met you at a gig at Colonial Country Club, Harahan, LA. in 1965 when ''The Rivieras'' played at a Sweet Sixteen Party. My husband, Johnny Larmann was a part of the band. I remember traveling to Mobile, Little Rock, Etc. with The Loyola Jazz Band and staying up late nights for rehearsals. My sympathy to your mom, sister and entire family. Enjoy your gigs in Heaven. You were a true inspiration to many people. Rest in Peace.
Tim Aucoin
December 5, 2006
Charlie inspired me and everyone around him to play and live from the soul. His spirit lives in every musician and person he touched. I will miss you brother.
December 5, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to my sister, Shirley Brent, and her family in the loss of Charlie. He will remain in our hearts forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Aunt Rita & Uncle Dave Salinas from Texas
Linda Salinas De Leon
December 5, 2006
Charlie, I didn't get to see you much but you were often in my thoughts. Your music will forever live in our hearts. You will be missed by all that knew and loved you. Your Texas cousin, Linda Salinas De Leon
Bobby Breaux
December 5, 2006
Charlie, your talent and soul were an inspiration to me. You took me under your wing a few times at Loyola and showed me some beautiful things about arranging. It was a blast to get to play with you as well. Have fun in that band up there, man. They're gonna play real fonky now that you're in it!
Shirley Pharis
December 5, 2006
Charlie, you were a most unique and brilliant person. A musical genius, a joy to know. You will be so dearly missed by so many. I feel very lucky to have known you. You are a legend. Rest in peace, my friend. Deepest condolences to your mother whom you loved so much and all your family, friends and brothers and sisters in the musical community. Such a loss!
Dave Langstaff
December 5, 2006
Charlie you will be missed. Your music touched many and inspired us. Once a Rider ALWAYS a Rider. Rest in Peace.
Eric Langstaff
December 5, 2006
All of us who played with, and for Charlie Brent are better for it. His talent as a player was enormous, but as a writer there is no equal.
As a young player with Wayne Cochran and the C.C.Riders, I knew instantly I needed to play everything Charlie wrote. Playing Charlie’s charts for the first time was like opening a gift. With the Riders and Trick Bag he challenged us to be better musicians and new how to get us where we needed to go.
Charlie is the reason I came to New Orleans 26 years ago, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to know him, share a stage with him, and call him my friend.
My sincere condolences to his family and extended family.
"Once a Rider, always a Rider..."
I will miss you Chas
Lindy Brown
December 5, 2006
Charlie will always be in my heart and his music will be with us forever.
Tommy Wilson
December 5, 2006
I deeply miss you being among us. You were a force of music and soul.
Steve Harris
December 5, 2006
Rest in peace Charlie, you were a brilliant, extremely talented musician/composer. You will be missed by many and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will never be the same. A tremendous loss to the whole music industry.
Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home
December 5, 2006
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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