CHARLIE ECKER
SONGWRITER
"An extraordinary talent, the only person ever chosen as LAMA Career Country Songwriter, who has inspired so, so many with his impactful words matched to melodies throughout the 25-year history of the L.A. Music Awards!"
Linda & Charlie at '87 SoCal Club Comp
Al Bowman Founder
FAME Award 2017
Hall of Fame 2014
Christian SoY 2013
Legacy Hall of Fame 2023
COOL COMMENTS ABOUT "CHARLIE MUSIC"
"After much discussion, deliberation and ultimately a unanimous decision, we are pleased to announce that the Akademia Board has decided to officially induct Charles Ecker into the Akademia Hall Of Fame for having created a musical repertoire that is truly original and for talent, hard work and perseverance deemed worthy of the highest recognition. His status in the Akademia Hall of Fame has become fact and his place in Akademia history permanently anointed. We congratulate him on this extraordinary achievement, which was granted to less 1% of Akademia award winners through the years." Akademia Honors Board, August 10, 2023
"Charlie Ecker is what real country music is all about!" Joyce Aponte, Renegade Radio Nashville. April 7, 2018
"'Career Country Songwriter' at the L.A. Music Awards. That's very, very impressive, sir! Keep makin' music, Charlie." Grady Smith, National TV Country Music Commentator, Nashville. April 2, 2020
"The way Charlie Ecker blends words to music is very simply pure genius!"
Chris Duval, Program Host, Muse Radio, London, November 15, 2019
"If Charles Ecker wins any more awards for his masterful music, there won't be any left for the others. This is fascinating songwriting and performance from the word 'go.' " Douglas Dickens, The 'Dean' of Independent Country Music Showcasing. Jan. 4, 2014
"The C.R. Ecker Band is different than either traditional country or the Nashville cookie cutter music--it's like it's taken the best of a couple of genres and blended them together. They might be onto a new movement. It’s definitely their OWN sound--a standout "apart from the crowd" sound. Something we need in this business. " Dixie McCorkell, Program Director, TripleStrand Music, March, 2015
"The C.R. Ecker Band is a good example of what's good with country music. The band's sound is pop enough to appeal to a broad audience, but not so pop that it sounds like a lot of the bands coming out of Nashville. The themes of the songs are familiar, but this band presents them so they don't seem tired. In other words, the band sounds familiar, but still refreshing. If you've been looking for some new country artists, The C.R. Ecker Band is a great place to start.". Gary Swind, Music Writer, AXS Entertainment. December, 2014
"C.R. Ecker and his band are one of the Top Ten Artists in Country Music from the 25 years of history at the LA Music Awards." Al Bowman, Executive Director, February 7, 2016.
"The C.R. Ecker Band -- What Great Country Music is All About." Buck McCoy, DJ, Independent Music Network Top 30 Country, October, 2012.
"'Duty Country Honor' is brief but memorable, an intriguing introduction to an innovative country sound. The song is instantly catchy and primed for popular appeal." The Akademia Society Juried Panel, June 16, 2017
"'Emma-Jean' is the single you've been waiting for in 2017. It is the perfect marriage proposal anthem." Buck McCoy, Independent Music Network (Country) April 10, 2017
“A softly melodic demonstration of songwriting skill, 'When I Walked With You' benefits from the lyrical expertise and undeniable composing talent of its creator, Charles Ecker.” The Akademia Society Juried Panel, August 18, 2017
"A delightful romp about young love. How could this song NOT be about Linda Ecker? For over 30 years, the Ecker's are still deeply in love, lots, lots, lots. Lovely song, Charlie. I have played your music for six years now, and 'Emma-Jean' is the best one yet." Chris Duval, Showcase Radio, London, April 5, 2017
““A Bright Tomorrow” comes along just in time to remind people what real country music sounds like and how to write lyrics with depth and meaning. If you don’t feel better about life and humanity after listening to The C.R. Ecker Band’s songs, it’s time to seek therapy. Charles Ecker is one of the unsung heroes of country music. His songwriting is sharp, and profound, and his positive energy together with that of his band, would leave most country stars half their age collapsed on the stage begging for mercy. Listening to “A Bright Tomorrow”, I realized that The C.R. Ecker Band has reached yet another level of musical artistry. They cover the whole gamut of emotions here.” Peter Burns, ReviewIndie.com, January, 2016
"There's no denying the genius of "A Bright Tomorrow,' this spare, Americana stomp is an exceptional trophy piece for The C. R. Ecker Band and great therapy for the lost everywhere." Juried Panel, The Akademia Society, January 2016.
"With the understated confidence of a seasoned musician and songwriter, Charles Ecker has calmly established himself as a successful songwriter and influence in country music." Marquix Global Network News Service, January 2015
““A Bright Tomorrow’ comes along just in time to remind people what real country music sounds like and how to write lyrics with depth and meaning. If you don’t feel better about life and humanity after listening to The C.R. Ecker Band’s songs, it’s time to seek therapy."”
- Jeena Johnson, The Music Journal - SoundLooks, January, 2016
'Bringing superb musicianship, gorgeous vocals and versatility together, The C.R. Ecker Band has created an impressive collection of diverse country treasures ...with "Down the Back 40: Risin' Sun." (The Akademia Awards Jury referring to Top Country Album win, 2015.)
"Charles Ecker is one of the unsung heroes of country music. His songwriting is sharp, and profound, and his positive energy together with that of his band, would leave most country stars half their age collapsed on the stage begging for mercy. Listening to “A Bright Tomorrow,” I realized that The C.R. Ecker Band has reached yet another level of musical artistry. They cover the whole gamut of emotions here."
Alex Moss, Independent Music News , January 2016
'A Bright Tomorrow" is another great spin from The C.R. Ecker Band. By the time I’d listened to it a couple of times, the tune was stuck in my head. Michael Stanton, on the other hand is old country boy with a voice carved from solid granite. His voice is full, deep, and could probably match any style he puts his mind to." Rick Jamm, Jamsphere. January, 2016
“The award-winning song, “A Bright Tomorrow” by The C.R. Ecker Band is all about extending goodness to those in need and believing that you can help to make a better world. The song, sung by lead vocalist Michael Stanton was first composed by Charles Ecker. The song has been released through CdBaby. And just weeks after its release the first official accolade rolled in from The Akademia Society, with “A Bright Tomorrow” being named “Outstanding Country-Americana” song. Moreover, composer Ecker has earned over twenty awards and nominations for his work during the past four years.” Reed Moore, Tone Flame Music, January, 2016
“A Bright Tomorrow” comes along just in time to remind people what real country music sounds like and how to write lyrics with depth and meaning. If you don’t feel better about life and humanity after listening to The C.R. Ecker Band’s songs, it’s time to seek therapy.
Peter Burns, ReviewIndie, January, 2016
"A Bright Tomorrow is wonderful. I love, love your music!" Kitt Bratton Bradley, Cashbox, January 2016.
“With that rich, warm voice and honest heartfelt lyrics like "One More Night" and "No Turnin Back" it's no wonder you guys are getting such positive feedback and genuine reactions from fans. There is such a positive, uplifting feeling to be had from storytelling as simple and uncluttered as this delivered with such soul and warmth. I really enjoyed the set list. You got our vote!” Mike White, Producer, Mike White Presents, London, November 21, 2013
"'Your Smile Says it All' is one of my favorite songs of ALL time, and not just from The C.R. Ecker Band." Toni Taylor-Helser, Barefoot Music Show, Mixposure. March, 14, 2015.
'Charles (Ecker) and Michael (Stanton) combine crisp, soulful vocals with exceptional acoustic production to create a song with universal appeal.' The Akademia juried selection comittee naming "No Turnin' Back" outstanding Country Song, Feb. 2014.
"The C.R. Ecker Band has had another big year, indeed. Charlie and Company have received critical acclaim around the world since they launched like a rocket two years ago with their entertaining mix of traditional country. " Buck McCoy, Host, Top 30 Countdown, The Independent Music Network, November, 2013.
"Your music fills the soul with so much happiness. Fantastic!" Kathy Nye, W.E. Publishing, Montreal, Quebec (December 5, 2012)
Your "Once in a While" cover, as a country song, is an absolute masterpiece!" - Chris Duval, Program Host, SplashRadio.org (November 26, 2012)
"There's a group of cowboys breaking out of the smoggy morning sun of LA, spreading their thoughts of leaving the country roads for a metropolis filled with beach blondes and congested roads. It's The C.R. Ecker Band sprinting into the spotlight, with a truly unique sound and genius lyrics like in "California Cowboy". Look out LA and the rest of the world because that "Gold Mercedes" armed with a CB and rebel flags is rolling in to take the big stage, I for one cannot wait and will be airing their music with pride!" Chris Hawk, founder of IMR Online and host for American Thunder on SplashRadio (Feb. 1, 2012)
""Whisper Sweet Nothins is a power, bluegrass country song with a feminist bent!" Freewood.net Music Review, December 5, 2012
"At SDC Radio Networks, we have been programming The C.R. Ecker Band for over two years because of their consistent ever-growing music that keeps on getting better each and every year. This group is a serious contender." Editorial Board, November 1, 2013
"The C. R. Ecker band is like my best favorite band of all time, like a country version of Sha Na Na's serious side. (Referring to "Bushwacked song.") (To that extent) I have determined to expose you through my station as ‘Real Country’ Radio’s” all-time favorite band." Tom Kawai, Real Country Radio, Inbagun, Chibaken, Japan (Feb. 28, 2012)
Michael Stanton, long considered one of the outstanding regional country singers in America, leads The C.R. Ecker Band in "A Bright Tomorrow," a song of just plain goodness, at a time of uncertainty and turmoil . Many lessons to be learned in the words." - Music We Make (Dec 15, 2015)
"'Your Smile Says it All is a beautiful, beautiful song. I love The C.R. Ecker Band's music!" - Chris Duval, Program Host, SpashRadio.org (August 28, 2012)
"(On "California Cowboy") "Who would'a thought chasing a dream to California would lead to a song that is upbeat and gives one insight of the differences between Macon Georgia and Los Angeles! Good vocal and true country instrumentation! The band had fun doing this tune! I can see this song working its way into the mainstream!" - 'SouthOMike", DJ, Golden Radio International (December 30, 2012)
"In our Pharump coverage area of Nevada, 'I Just Wanna' Meet Girls' has gotten fantastic feedback from our listeners as it has a title that sums up the pure joy of being a teenage guy, with a bouncy melody that lingers long in your memory. I would even go so far as to say this song should be required listening for every little guy once he turns thirteen and made to memorize, it's so cute!" DJ Harvey, KQLN Radio, Southern Nevada (Jan 6, 2012)
“I Just Wanna' Meet Girls is a brand new release by The C.R. Ecker Band that is doing really well on the international airwaves, garnering airplay in 26 countries. For any guy that has gone through those teen years when girls finally become 'interesting', this song will have you laughing and singing along. So pick up a copy today. ” Dixie McCorkell, Program Hostess, "Country Legends in the Making" (Dec, 2011)
"Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke") has garnered much media notice around the world for its message that seems to build in timeliness each and every day. Another song is capturing attention in a happy, giddy, cute way. And goodness knows we need more of that in the world today. Ecker calls ‘ I Just Wanna' Meet Girls’ a "tribute to teenage testosterone, pure and simple." ...Some traditional radio stations in the U.S. are starting to take notice. Said one PD, "this song is loopy enough to be a hit...!". RadioSubmit (Nov 02, 2011)
"A moving song of love, and trust, delivered by one of the most famous singers in T.V. and motion pictures, Gigi Worth, adding an impactful and harmonious voice to The C.R. Ecker Band country music mix. Enjoy 'I Believe in You.' "
- Tradebit (Feb 08, 2012)
"Charles Ecker is an awesome artist/ songwriter." - Jody Dickey, Program Hostess, Musiciansmusic.net (April 13, 2012)
"The C.R. Ecker Band releases another wonderful Country single, "I Just Wanna Meet Girls." This song is the second single from their album, "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)," and has a delightful classic Country sound. The instruments are dynamically balanced as they keep a bouncy rhythm to this enchanting melody. The lyrics, and you would expect this from reading the title, are fun and quite witty as they are a tribute to the ups and downs of being a teenage boy meeting girls. The vocals are charming and capture the free spirited feeling this song has to offer. This band proves they can have fun with music in a creative, toe tapping Country style. If you like Hank Williams or Buck Owens then you will really enjoy the fantastic single, "I Just Wanna Meet Girls." Radio Indie (Nov 01, 2011)
"The C.R. Ecker Band launches what lead song band leader and composer Charles Ecker calls "an Anthem for American Angst." "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-Up Bad and Broke)" is kind of like 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' in the 30s," says Ecker. "It speaks for millions now experiencing the malaise of our economy, 'sung simple and straight-forward, matter-of-fact, certainly not cute and with a shot of hope.'" Top 40 Charts.com (Aug 02, 2011)
"We present three of C.R. Ecker's stirring love songs and his legacy song lamenting the economic troubles of our time herald this 2012 Winter-Spring Music Submit playlist, in line with his band's slogan - 'Music Made in America and Heard 'Round the World.' " Rupert Radio Mix FM, U.K., May, 2012)
"Our organization is supporting you because you are putting something out there with focus and meaning. It takes guts to do what you're doing as one of those within our organization who is not afraid of saying you are struggling in this economy. With songs on the extreme left and right advocating hate and anger, your beautifully simple song, the Bushwacked song, also gaining attention as "the Jobless Song," shows all of us of most all political persuasions, and those who sympathize with us, that we are not alone and should not be looked at as 'lesser' individuals. And to carry the concept of balanced reason forward with the apolitical “Solidify Main Street (TM) informational campaign you conceived on the World Wide Web leading up to the 2012 general election, which you are willing to do voluntarily, is just another reason to say on behalf of all us, a loud and sincere 'thank you.'" Editorial Review Board, www.99ers.net (Dec 10, 2011)
"The C.R. Ecker Band has something to offer all country music fans in this sampler, from the fun and happy "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" to the emotional and insightful "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke). The title song reflects an anthem of American angst, given the economic challenges of the modern day... The full C.R. Ecker Band compilation, available through all major digital music download services worldwide, includes an ode to a long, lost pet who was the composer's pride and joy titled "I'm Thinking' of an Old Friend Today..." Art of the Mix.org (Sept. 14, 2011)
"...Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) is a simple, straight forward song the composer, C.R. Ecker, calls "an Anthem of American Angst" and just recently described as "a song to love" by MLive.com, a Michigan website devoted to employment issues. Also known now as the jobless song, this song, copyrighted by C.R. Ecker, who is also the publisher, is posted under its formal title on a number of country music video websites but most importantly, on the 99ers.net website, dedicated to persons who have suffered tremendously since their unemployment benefits expired. Bushwacked Song is not a criticism of former President G.W. Bush but rather an apolitical song that ironically was written in 1992 but only came to public attention at the time of the country album's release August 1. " CNN iReport (Oct 28, 2011)
"A Lotta Love -- a bright, uptempo tune done in a most traditional country style by Amber Rose and Michael Lusk of The C.R. Ecker Band. 'Whole Lotta' Love' filling the room when this song is played." cdBaby Music Review, Mar . 12, 2012
"The C.R. Ecker Band's 'A Bright Tomorrow' – an award-winning song!"- Mia Mannic, Independent Music News 24 (Jan 28, 2016)
"So the man who leads the C.R. Ecker Band offers(with the Bushwacked song and Solidify Main Street) a theme, an identity and a consistent apolitical theme song for what he calls “independent-thinking individual Americans, many who are bushwacked, bewildered, beat-up bad and broke themselves, who believe in fixing our country, not tearing it down.” You are encouraged to listen, and buy! " cdBaby Music Review (Nov 21, 2011)
"Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke") was written 20 years ago but never made public until the digital music age allowed for its release, is a simple, straight forward lament on financial struggles facing America. And its apolitical message just gets stronger and stronger each day with no finger pointing, but plenty of woe. In fact, "Bushwacked Song," for short, has been selected by the folks at www.99ers.net to appear on that website, which deals with issues facing those Americans whose 99 week unemployment benefits have expired. " eFolkMusic.org (Nov 01, 2011)
"C.R. Ecker has sought to explore a wide variety of country styles. In addition to the down-home, matter-of-fact delivery of "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)", the compilation features what the band leader calls "a tribute to teenage testosterone -- "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls, about as traditional country as you can get short of Roy Acuff." Voices to Hear (Oct 14, 2011)
"This is "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)" by The C .R. Ecker Band creating an unwarranted stir, around America, for the composer by people incorrectly thinking the song is a knock against former President George Bush. General feeling from people who hear the song and watch the video (on YouTube) is that it takes some of the edge off, a little bit during these troubled times. For C.R. Ecker, maybe that is worth his efforts to write and record this song 20 years ago when times were tough then, trying for all these years to get it heard when our economy is in deeper trouble." Squidoo.com (Nov 02, 2011)
"“Ever since its official launch with a Times Square electronic billboard lighting ceremony August 1, The C.R. Ecker Band country music compilation has landed on all major American digital music download platforms. What had been planned as a second single, "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls," caught up in popularity to the Bushwacked song single in three short weeks. Both songs ... are being heard by thousands of Internet radio listeners beyond the borders of the U.S. -- from Australia to here in Sweden, Germany to India and Great Britain to the Philippines. Expanding to the visual medium, the BBBuB&B and "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" music "cartoon" videos are now on YouTube... 'Nöjesradion Enköping (Entertainment Radio), Vasteras, Sweden (Oct 17, 2011)
"Charles Ecker, you've got a good thing going!" - Pascal Durand, PD, KPPR - FM, Paris (Feb 01, 2016)
"I have a feeling there are a lot of people these days who can identify with the lyrics for this new one from The C.R. Ecker Band called "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)." Countrysite Music Video (Sep 12, 2011)
"Bushwacked, Bewildered, Beat-Up Bad and Broke" -- a song you got to love... a song for our times." MLive - State of Michican Unemployment News Website (Sep 20, 2011)
"Terrific group. In the tradition of Creedence Clearwater Revival with its hit "Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)! Great lyrics, good balance of instruments doesn't cover up the songs." Jango Internet Radio (Nov 14, 2011)
Bushwacked (Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke)" is so spot on at every level - what I'm going through, what my listeners are going through, what all of America is going through. It's a damned funny song with a damned serious message!"
- Mr. Ashwad, The New 99ers Radio (Mar 05, 2012)
"We are going to talk (today) about how one particular song of our times (Bushwacked, Bewildered, Beat-up Bad and Broke) is moving people to think, feel and act about its message." Kevin Dawson, Global Talk Radio (Mar 20, 2012)
A couple of other notes, "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls," exceeding so many expectations about its popularity world-wide, started the year out at #27 just ahead of Alan Jackson on the French Top 40 Country Music Charts, based on ratings from the European Country Music Association. And lastly, let's take a look at the Country Music Top 10 ratings so far from The Spotlight Zone Internet Music Service at different points between December, 2011 and January, 2012, based on five star perfect ratings and its top chart position noted with a number in a black circle -- I Just Wanna’ Meet Girls ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶; I Believe in You ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶; Dixie Lee ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶; Heartless ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶; Bushwacked Song ☆☆☆☆☆ ❹; I'm Thinkin' of an Old Friend, Today ☆☆☆☆☆ ❹; A Lotta' Love ☆☆☆☆☆ ❼. Separately, on the Top 10 Christian chart -- A Bright Tomorrow ☆☆☆☆☆ ❶ ..
Outstanding band! The level of songwriting, craftmanship,vocals, and production are spectacular! The C.R. Ecker Band is the best of the best, and should be #1 on any chart. Cheryl Nye, Revernation's #1 Pop Vocalist, Montreal (April 21, 2012)
C.R. Ecker has sought to explore a wide variety of country styles over the past 25 years, and it has culminated in the first offering of The C.R. Ecker Band -- "Bushwacked Song" released August, 1, 2011 with the lighting of an electronic billboard sign overlooking Times Square. The lead/title song has garnered much media notice around the world for its message that seems to build in timeliness each and every day, landing it on the main page of the two websites for those who have expended their unemployment benefits. Another song is capturing attention in a happy, giddy, cute way. And goodness knows we need more of that in the world today. Ecker (Charlie to his friends) calls the song -- "I Just Wanna' Meet Girls" -- a "tribute to teenage testosterone, pure and simple." The song tells the story of a boy who was a "pipsqueak in pajamas" on his journey to figure out why he seemed to be attracted to the opposite sex. Well, it didn't take long for him to find out! It's about as traditional country as you can get in a style reminiscient of Buck Owens. Reverbnation, October, 2011.
