Charles "Chico" Rouse, Jr.

I have many fond memories of watching my father perform on stage. He had a way of captivating the audience with his smooth, soulful sound and his effortless musicianship. I remember feeling so proud to be his son, and I always looked up to him as a role model. As I grew older, I began to understand the sacrifices my father made in order to pursue his passion for music. He was often away from home for long stretches of time, touring with his band and performing at clubs and festivals around the world. Despite the challenges of being a touring musician, my father always managed to balance his work with his responsibilities as a husband and father. I was fortunate enough to have a front row seat to my father's career, and I learned so much from him about hard work, dedication, and the importance of following your dreams. He taught me to always strive to be the best at whatever I do, and to never give up on my passions.