Born in the late 1950s, Charles Hodges grew up in a caring family who loved music and the church. Charles found his love for music as a child while messing around on a piano. He would nurture his talent and eventually play for many church services and become a founding force in the band Hi Rhythm. He really got his break when he began touring with O.V. Wright. His talent and hard work helped Charles get the opportunity to play with and meet famous artists and celebrities. He has worked with bands ranging from The Mountain Goats and Sheryl Crow to Robert Cray and Al Green. However, the life of an entertainer is not without its pitfalls. Charles struggled with an eleven-year addiction to crack cocaine, which he only overcame through his faith.

Jackson tells Hodges' story mainly in chronological order and includes many engaging photos in the work. Her telling is simple and easy to read, and the short book can easily be consumed in an afternoon. Readers will be educated about how talented Hodges is and how important his faith is both in his life and his work. There are some slight grammatical errors, but these are only minor distractions. For those just being introduced to the musician, the book serves as a good introductory offering, which should lead curious readers to search for more information. As such, it is a useful overview of the life and mind of an interesting and talented man who has made a lasting contribution to both secular and religious music.

Return to USR Home