Bobby Charles

The Profile

Bobby Charles (born Robert Charles Guidry) was an American singer-songwriter from Louisiana and a pioneer of swamp pop. He wrote hits like See You Later, Alligator, Walking to New Orleans, and (I Don't Know Why) But I Do, and released a revered 1972 self-titled album featuring members of The Band and Dr. John; he died in 2010.

Signed to Chess Records in the mid-1950s, he penned major hits for other artists, appeared at The Last Waltz concert but was omitted from the film, and his 1972 eponymous album (co-produced with Rick Danko, featuring The Band and Dr. John) has become a cult favorite.

Bobby Charles is praised as an underrated Louisiana songwriter whose hits fueled the ’50s–’70s for others. The 1972 self-titled album, tied to The Band and Dr. John, is highlighted as a cult classic. The review notes plaudits from major artists and the omission from The Last Waltz film. Charles died in 2010; key reissues keep his legacy visible.