In the early 70's, Charlie discovered and managed The Outlaws, who were the first rock act signed to Clive Davis' Arista Records in 1973. His work with this multi-platinum southern rock giant paved the way for his relationship with classic rock radio legend, Lynyrd Skynyrd. His successful revival of Skynyrd's career brought other classic rock acts to his door such as Bad Company, Peter Frampton and Styx.

Charlie joined TBA Entertainment Corporation through the July 2001 acquisition of his company, Alliance Artists, which he launched in 1991, bringing clients Styx, Survivor, Mars Electric, and Joe Stark to the company.

He is presently involved with Styx frontman Tommy Shaw in organizing two benefit concerts to help the families of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks - Volunteers For America - Oct. 20 in Atlanta at Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheatre and Oct. 21 in Dallas at Smirnoff Music Center. Proceeds from the two shows will benefit firefighters, police and American Red Cross organizations. Artists scheduled to appear include Survivor, Mick Jones of Foreigner, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Edgar Winter, John Waite, Mark Farner and others to be announced. Both amphitheaters are donating the use of their facilities, while radio and television outlets in the Atlanta and Dallas markets are providing advertising at no cost.

First industry job

In college I worked for Belkin College Concerts out of Cleveland. It was part of Belkin Productions and we did college concerts. After college I went to Florida and started Southern Bay Productions and High Tide Management with my first client The Outlaws.

Career highlight

Actually I have a few. The first one was when The Outlaws sold out Madison Square Garden. The second was putting together the first Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour in 1987. The third was in 1996, when I put Styx back together, and the fourth was promoting Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope tour in 1998. I think the fifth will be the "Volunteers for America" shows coming up in Atlanta and Dallas on Oct. 20 and 21.

Career disappointment

I don't really have any. There were a few of our artists' records that didn't do as well as we expected, but nothing so disappointing that it stands out.

Greatest challenge

Since 1973, when I started having to earn a living in this business, my greatest challenge has been earning a living in this business. The other thing would be not compromising my values for the business.

Best business decision

Finally deciding to make a deal with TBA Entertainment Corporation.

Worst business decision

Overpaying all of the artists that I believed in when I was a promoter ended up costing me millions.

Best business advice you received

Bill Graham said to me once, "It's not always about the money, but the money sure helps."

Best advice to give

If you are going to get into this business, have a law and an accounting degree, it will save you a lot of expenses.

Most memorable industry event

June 11 of 1987 or 1988 when I worked with Bill Graham on an Amnesty International event at the Omni in Atlanta. It was also my birthday, so that made it even more memorable.

What people would be surprised to learn about you

Women and dogs run my life.

Where any of your shows affected in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks?

Styx lost a corporate date with BellSouth, and then we had to go through quite a few unusual events to be able to get Styx to Hutchinson, Kan. by Sept. 15 for a show, with no air travel. The band members were in Los Angeles, Toronto, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Naples, Fla., and we did it!

What effect, if any, did the attacks have on your business?

I think it made people start paying more attention and not taking everything for granted. It made corporations more careful in planning for events. It also gave me the opportunity to put together the [Beth Denton] "Volunteers for America" benefit concerts that will hopefully be a success and help the victims.

Many people feel they have personally changed in the aftermath of the attacks. Have you?

Yes. Just the other day I made my first trip to New York for meetings since the WTC terrorist attacks, and I either had the good fortune or bad fortune, depending on how you look at it, to fly over Ground Zero on a clear day, and it made me realize how real that all is. It also made me more determined to make the "Volunteers For America" benefits the successful events that we feel they can be.

Office paraphernalia

Dog bowls, sports memorabilia, football pools.

Industry pet peeve

Too many people don't follow through with things they say they will do.

Charlie can be reached at 770-663-4240; e-mail: cbrusco@tbaent.com

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