RIP CHARLES BRADLEY. Always a fighter, Charles battled cancer with everything he had. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2016 and underwent treatment. Bradley headed out on the road earlier this year after receiving a clean bill of health but the cancer recently returned, spreading to his liver.
Born on November 5, 1948 in Gainesville, FL, Charles then moved to Brooklyn, NY at the age of 8. He lived across the country throughout his life including Maine, Alaska and two decades in the Bay Area before returning to New York City, his home for the last 20 years. Bradley passed away in Brooklyn on September 23, 2017, surrounded by family and friends including members of the bands he worked closely with: Menahan Street Band, His Extraordinaires, Budos Band and the Jimmy Hill Allstarz–his band from his time performing as Black Velvet.
[Verse 1]
I want to live, I want to give
I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold
It’s these expressions I never give
[Chorus]
It keep me searching for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
It keep me searching for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
Mmm
Oh
Help me, somebody
Mmm
[Verse 2]
I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold
I’ve been in my mind, it’s such a fine line
[Chorus]
It keep me searching for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
It keep me searching for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
Oh, yeah
[Outro]
Keep me searching for a heart of gold
Keep me searching for a heart of gold
Keep me searching and I’m growing old
Keep me searching for a heart of gold
Keep me searching and I’m growing old
Keep me searching for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
Woo
Delìrivm Còrdia 