Rachel Dove-Baldwin
Staff Writer
TOLER, Ky. — You can’t come from more humble beginnings than those of Charlie “Bo” Pitts. Taken from his birth mother at the tender age of three weeks because of an illness that prevented her from caring for him and placed in a foster home until adopted by what he describes as a “black-lung widow” who thankfully, had a great love for children, Pitts has never forgot where he came from or failed to be thankful for his life.
I’ve been blessed,” stated Pitts. “More than I probably deserved and in more ways than I could ever describe - I’m a blessed man.”
Pitts has always had a love for music. Since the age of 5 or 6, he stated that he has listened to and enjoyed a variety of music including traditional country, bluegrass, gospel, classic rock and blues.
“I was given a guitar when I was 11 years of age and taught myself how to play. I’ve moved forward with this love ever since the first time my hands held that used guitar,” remarked the singer and songwriter.
Pitts recently visited the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tenn., an establishment that allows songwriters to perform their work in front of a live audience that includes talent scouts, music producers and recording label representatives. Although he only got to sing one song that he has penned, he feels like it was a successful venture and is confident it has given him exposure that he would not otherwise have.
“One other performer and I got a big round of applause that night, and there were a lot of people that took the stage,” said Pitts. “I was also offered a chance to come and record with a man that has a studio in Nashville. I left there a happy man.”
Pitts is married to the former Lois Reed and has one daughter, Breanna, who attends Belfry High School. He spoke of how much it means to him that his family supports his love for music and said they are his biggest fans.
“They’re great,” said Pitts. “I truly couldn’t do this without them. As soon as I get a new song wrote, I play it for them to get their opinion.”
Locally, Pitts has performed at numerous bluegrass shows, beginning this trend several years ago with Winfred Reed and the Pike County Ramblers. He played during the Smithsonian Folk Art Show, events sponsored by HOPE, with local favorite Frank Hammond, and at fairs and festivals.
“I’m a people person and I’m very comfortable on the stage. I’ve never met a stranger and I don’t get nervous before a performance,” stated the songwriter. “I love singing songs that come from my thoughts and past experiences. My music definitely has a lot of me in it and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Growing up and even in later years, Pitts stated that certain entertainers have greatly influenced his songwriting ability and his singing including Keith Whitley, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Don Williams. He said that there have been plenty of nights when he couldn’t sleep because there was a song forming in his mind that had to be written down.
“I can be in a perfectly up-beat mood and write a tearjerker,” said Pitts. “My wife will ask me how in the world I can do that and I really have no explanation, but it happens.”
“I’m old school, I like the traditional country music a lot more than I do the songs being recorded today, and I have met and spoke with a lot of folks who have the same taste as me. This type of music is timeless; it will still be enjoyed a hundred years from now, as opposed to songs that are about current events. I like to write, sing and listen to those songs that never grow old and still apply to people from all walks of life.”
“To me - that’s the definition of a true classic that will stand the test of time.”
Pitts was born and raised for the first 15 years of his life in the local area before moving with his mom to Florida where he resided for 20 years, but said the hills of WV and Ky. were always an important part of him, and he made the decision after meeting his wife to return to his roots approximately 7 years ago.
“I couldn’t be happier,” stated Pitts. “I’m a carpenter by trade and I love that I can make a living doing a job that I’m passionate about. I have a wonderful wife and daughter, great family members and friends, and I attend the Mike’s Branch Church of Christ at John’s Creek where I am honored to lead the choir.”
“I’m hoping that the future holds promise for me in the music business, but if it doesn’t, I’ll keep right on writing and singing for my own enjoyment and I’ll be thankful every day to be blessed with that gift.”
If you would like to receive more information on Pitts or his music, you may email him at songwriterky68@gmail.com, or you can send him a friend request on Facebook.
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