“Creating music that evokes emotion is my gift,” says Israel “Iz” Charles, an accomplished musician/ composer/ arts educator. “My dedication to sharing it while inspiring others to create and perform as well is my story.”

“Iz” began his musical career at the age of six following in the footsteps of his father, the late Ervin Charles, who was a highly regarded Blues guitarist in Southeast Texas.  By age 12 he was playing drums professionally in his father’s band!  Always interested in education, Iz went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition from Grambling State University.

While there he got into pop music songwriting and production. He soon scored placements with a Jay King produced vocal quartet “New Choice,” (Warner Bros), and then Richard “Dimples” Fields on Bellmark Records. It was his first taste of the record biz, and it whetted his appetite.

But after graduation he used his degree to enter the field of professional educator while still exploring opportunities in the music biz.

  “I think I was on the verge of breaking into the industry,” says Iz.  “I had already garnered several placements, and was traveling back and forth from Texas to Los Angeles and Miami working on musical projects as a songwriter and producer.  “Dimples” was introducing me to several A list artists and execs, touting me as the next hot up and coming producer.  Once I played my reel for Danny Thomas, keyboardist for ConFunkShun, he immediately called Jay King and just like that I signed my first songwriters’ contract. I got ready to launch my career in Hollywood,”

“But one night I had a spiritual revelation. It was like God spoke to me in a dream and said – I have blessed you to inspire young people, and that is what I want you to do.