A very wise man said, “Losers visualize the penalties of failure, but winners visualize the rewards of success.” A conversation with Tony Charles and one could walk away feeling that the author had Tony in mind when he speaks of winners. Perhaps it was this perception that Slide Hampton® derived after a telephone conversation with Tony in 2004. The phone call ended with Slide inviting Tony to come and work with him, an invitation that eventually evolved into Tony becoming a vital part of Slide Hampton’s journey as his first and only personal manager for the past six years.
Using creativity as the spring board to do great things, Tony Charles immediately designed and published the Slide Hampton website, in order to give the world instant access to one of the greatest jazz musicians living today. In short, an in house” entity was established that included all the workings of pushing a renowned artist further into the limelight of success with a visionary at the helm. Tony produced press kits, developed and implemented advertising and marketing materials, press releases, etc., with little regard to the many hours needed to accomplish the goals set forth by him and Slide.
Next came independently producing and promoting a concert at New York’s famous Tribeca Performing Arts Center,"A Musical Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim,” featuring the debut of the Slide Hampton® Ultra Big Band. Answering the call for international appearances, Tony Charles begins to reach beyond the boundaries of America and passionately sought to fulfill the international demand, booking Slide Hampton where the cries for his talents were greatest. Based on the success of the many opportunities implemented and fulfilled, Tony with the same visionary drive, recognized the importance of the Trademark and set in motion trade marking Slide Hampton’s name, and the establishment of Slides Hampton’s music publishing company, Slide Hampton® Musique Publishing, LLC.
Tony is the executive director of the Slide Hampton® Ultra Big Band as well as the trombone ensembles. He's worked successfully with NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath and master trumpeter JimmyOwens , designing the Artwork and packaging for his latest release "Peacefull Walking" and has consulted and advised numerous young jazz musicians. Tony recently welcomed dance music giant Ron Perkov and highly acclaimed author and speaker Patricia Pope to his roster of Artists. In 2008, Slide tasked Tony with something he wasn't expecting... writing lyrics to his original arrangements, a collective which Tony titled "A Tribute to African-American Greatness." The collaboration involved writing lyrics for "Venus & Serena", "Oprah", "Tiger" and "Mandela". Musical compositions that challenged Tony for the first time...causing him to stop and question his ability to participate with the effort. The complexities of Slide Hampton’s arrangements prompted Tony to shake his head and vow to stay in his real lane...management. But true to form, after Slide Hampton’s return from a tour in Japan, he and Tony successfully worked side by side... completing this worthwhile endeavor starting with "Venus & Serena", and finalizing the effort with "Mandela (is a man)", projected to be a musical treasure.
Early on, before Slide Hampton, Ultra Big Band management, lyrical compositions and the numerous enmities of the entertainment industry, Tony Charle’s life was literally written in stone. He became a master stone setter and Interior Architect, designing and installing custom bathrooms, kitchens and interiors that sparked envy in the hearts of his peers. He’s also an accomplished fashion designer. In 1990, he became the only designer in the world to incorporate tailoring the shape of the woman’s derriere' (rear) into the garments. The label he gives these revolutionary designs is “Gigilo.” The fashion world can anticipate great things from this label in the very near future.
Innovator...creator...designer...builder. Tony Charles has placed his mark on a multitude of industries, in a very short period of time. Constantly learning and evolving, always on the cutting edge. He's approaching the future with tons of enthusiasm and positive energy.
- Anthony Charles Agency
