ESCP’s Research Chair, Professor Charles Knowles, swaps the OR for centre stage as his side-line passion as a country singer and songwriter is revealed.
His debut single, ‘The Man You Took for Worse’, has been released and will soon be followed by an EP and a possible tour throughout the USA.
The EP was written by Charles and produced in Los Angeles by Grammy award nominated, Brandon Friesen. It also features Chris Condon (Musical Director for Billy Ray Cyrus) on guitars and renowned backing vocalist Stevie Vann Lange.
Charles is Professor of Surgery at the Royal London Hospital, as well as Deputy Director of Research at The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London. Charles is also a trustee for Bowel & Cancer Research and decided that all proceeds from his single will be donated to the charity.
Speaking about his music, Charles said:
“Music has always been a major part of my life and 50s country stars like Buddy Holly and Elvis were some of my musical heroes growing up (alongside 70s rock, ska and punk). I got my hands on my first guitar at 16 which I rarely put down, torturing those around me!”
“I’ve played in many few bands over the years including a four-piece punk rock band in London. It was great fun playing the Clash and the Stranglers but it was challenging to find gigs. I got into country music a few years back in the US and found that it suited my voice and song-writing. I’ve never looked back.”
“Working on a side-line project when committed to a rather demanding day job has its challenges but those who know me would probably say that I am not generally one for half-measures. I look forward to the release of my debut EP, what the future holds and may even see some of you out on the road!”
'The Man You Take for Worse' is available through iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Deezer now. A clip of the video, shot in East London, is available to view on YouTube here.
All proceeds go to www.bowelcancerresearch.org.