"Sweet" Charles Sherrell (March 8, 1943 – March 29, 2023) – Hang Out & Hustle (1975)
J.B.'s bassist Sherell co-wrote this superb funk anthem with James Brown, who also produced the track, and it was co-arranged by Brown and Fred Wesley.
Watch full video on YouTube.
UPDATE 3/30/23: We received the sad news last night that Charles Sherrell had passed away in the Netherlands, where he had been living, exactly three weeks after his 80th birthday. His final message to the world was shared on his Facebook page:
Rest in Power, Charles Sherrell!
Originally posted March 8th, 2023:
Bassist “Sweet” Charles Sherrell is best known for his work with James Brown. He first joined his band in the late sixties, played on a number of funk classics, and in the 70s rejoined Brown as a member of the J.B.’s.
Charles Emanuel Sherrell was born in Nashville and was a drum major in high school. He studied music at Tennessee State University and worked part-time at the El Dorado Motel, where he met Curtis Mayfield in the early 60s. Curtis gave him guitar lessons in exchange for washing his car.
When he joined the Air Force, he learned to play bass. Back home in Nashville he drummed at Club Del Morocco on Jefferson Street alongside Jimi Hendrix and Billy Cox in their group The King Kasuals, who later became Aretha’s backing group. He toured with Aretha and Jackie Wilson.
In 1968, Sherrell joined James Brown’s band, replacing bassist Tim Drummond. Some of the classics he played on included “Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud” and “Give It Up or Turnit a Loose.”
Charles Sherrell and Maceo Parker, circa late 60s
In March, 1970, most of the members of Brown’s band quit over a pay dispute, including Sherrell. But he rejoined Brown a few years later as a member of the J.B.’s, the name Brown’s new backing band was known by.
Sherrell’s debut solo LP For Sweet People was released on Brown’s People Records label in 1974, which included his very funky cover of Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” and the rare groove classic that may be his best known solo recording, “Yes It’s You.”
The following year, Sherrell co-wrote the superb funk anthem “Hang Out & Hustle“ with Brown, who also produced the track. It was co-arranged by Brown and Fred Wesley, and also released on People.
The song's chorus “Hang out and hustle with my friends” was especially fitting in light of all the legendary connections Sherrell made throughout his career.
Happy 80th to the great Sweet Charles!
#funk #soul #JamesBrown #FredWesley #SweetCharles
Great jam indeed. 👍🏾🎼