# Charlie Applewhite

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Charlie_Applewhite
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Charlie_Applewhite.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Applewhite
> Source revision: 1293151397
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Short description|American singer and radio host}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Charlie Applewhite
| image           = Charlie Applewhite 1954.jpg
| caption         = Charlie Applewhite promotional photo, 1954
| image_size      =
| alias           =
| birth_name      = Charles Edwin Applewhite
| birth_date      = {{birth date|1932|11|25|mf=y}}
| birth_place     = [Fort Worth, Texas](/source/Fort_Worth%2C_Texas), United States
| death_date      = {{Death date and age|2001|4|27|1932|11|25|mf=y}}
| death_place     = [Plano, Texas](/source/Plano%2C_Texas), United States
| origin          =
| instrument      =
| genre           = [Pop](/source/Pop_music)
| occupation      = Singer, businessman
| years_active    = 1953–1967
| label           = [Decca Records](/source/Decca_Records), [MGM Records](/source/MGM_Records)
| past_member_of = [Milton Berle](/source/Milton_Berle)
| website         = 
}}

'''Charlie Applewhite''' (November 25, 1932 – April 27, 2001) was an American singer and radio host.  The height of his fame came as a regular on the Milton Berle show in the mid 1950s, and he became a highly-paid entertainer, performing on records, radio, and television.  The advent of the [Rock era](/source/Rock_music) and a plane crash that left him severely injured curtailed his career.

==Biography==
===Early years===
'''Charles Edwin Applewhite''' was born on November 25, 1932, in [Fort Worth, Texas](/source/Fort_Worth%2C_Texas).<ref name=texas>{{cite book |last=Jasinski |first=Laurie E. |date=2012 |title=Handbook of Texas Music |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CE8xiT3pV6QC&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22&pg=PT68  |publisher=Texas A&M University Press |isbn=9780876112977}}</ref>  Applewhite was taught to sing by his mother, who was part of a church choir.  He began singing in local children's talent shows at age 4.  Applewhite's mother began to groom her young son to become a professional singer at an early age.<ref name=mirror>{{cite journal|url=https://archive.org/stream/radiotvmi00macf#page/88/mode/2up|title=Big-Time Charlie|author=Pollock, Eleanor|journal=Radio-TV Mirror|pages=88–89|date=June 1954|publisher=Macfadden Publications|access-date=March 25, 2016}}</ref> His first professional performance occurred at the age of 10, singing in a Fort Worth movie theater.<ref name=dmn />  After young Applewhite became old enough to go into downtown Fort Worth alone, he would travel there to sing for money on street corners if his allowance had run out.<ref name=mirror/>

At [R. L. Paschal High School](/source/R._L._Paschal_High_School), Applewhite learned how to read music and played trumpet in the school band.<ref name=mirror/> After his graduation, Applewhite worked for a short time in the oil fields.  When he broke his arm in a work-related accident, Applewhite quit his job and went back to Fort Worth<ref name=texas /><ref name=mirror/>  His first job after returning home was singing in a Dallas night club for five dollars a night.  This led to a more lucrative offer from [Carswell Air Force Base](/source/Naval_Air_Station_Joint_Reserve_Base_Fort_Worth) to entertain at their Officers Club for US$100 per week. Applewhite then received an offer to become a singing waiter at the Studio Lounge in Dallas. After working at the Studio Lounge for a time, Applewhite was offered night club engagements in Shreveport, Louisiana and Kansas City, Missouri.<ref name=mirror/>

===Young professional===
At age 21, he left Texas for New York City, attempting to make a career as a performer.<ref name=dmn /><ref name=mirror/> Applewhite closed his US$600 savings account, using the money to pay for his New York trip.<ref name=Berle>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4724199/meeting_with_berle/|title=The Marquee|author=Kleiner, Dick|work=The Morning Herald|date=March 26, 1954|page=12|access-date=March 24, 2016|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref>  His "big break" came of his own initiative; three days after arriving in New York and being turned down by every agent he contacted, he boldly ignored the office personnel and, unannounced, entered the office of [Milton Berle](/source/Milton_Berle) and demanded that he be auditioned.<ref name=texas /><ref name=Berle/><ref>{{cite news |last=Ovington |first=Reg |date=April 25, 1954 |title=How to Break into TV at the Top  |newspaper=Milwaukee Sentinel |pages=4–5}}</ref>  Berle acquiesced in thoughts of appeasing him, but was impressed to the point of signing Applewhite to a contract<ref name=dmn /> to appear regularly on [Berle's show](/source/Texaco_Star_Theatre).<ref name=texas /> Before leaving Berle's office, Applewhite was also signed to a contract with [Decca Records](/source/Decca_Records); his first appearance on Milton Berle's television show was December 1, 1953.<ref name=Berle/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4724338/first_berle_tv_appearance/|title=TV-Radio|author=Foster, Bob|work=The Times|date=December 4, 1953|page=15|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref> While working on the Berle program, Applewhite was a regular cast member of ''[The Morning Show](/source/The_Early_Show)'', along with female vocalist [Edie Adams](/source/Edie_Adams), while [Jack Paar](/source/Jack_Paar) was the host.  After Paar moved to a weekday afternoon television program at [CBS](/source/CBS), he brought Applewhite and the other cast members to the new show.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://archive.org/stream/radiot00macf#page/n231/mode/2up|title=What's New From Coast to Coast|page=8|journal=Radio-TV Mirror|date=September 1955|publisher=Mcfadden Publications|access-date=March 27, 2016}}</ref>

Applewhite was divorced from his high school sweetheart in 1956, which led to his being reclassified as 1A for service.<ref name=divorce>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4722234/divorce_leads_to_draft/|title=Singer Applewhite's Wife Wins Divorce; He Gets New Classification|date=January 13, 1956|work=Del Rio News Herald|page=1|access-date=March 24, 2016|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref>{{efn|Applewhite married his first wife November 13, 1951.  At the time of the divorce, the couple had two children, Angela and Charles.<ref name=divorce/>}} He was drafted into the [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army),<ref name=banister /> serving from 1956 until 1958.<ref name=dmn /> At the time he was drafted, Applewhite was earning US$100,000 a year; he was making many guest appearances on television and hosted more than six regular radio programs.<ref name=army>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4722109/applewhite_enters_army/|title=Charlie Applewhite Grateful To Army Despite Salary Drop|author=Ewald, William|date=September 28, 1956|work=The Times|page=13|access-date=March 24, 2016|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref> Private Applewhite was given a one-week leave from his army duties in June 1956; he appeared as the star of a ''[General Electric Theater](/source/General_Electric_Theater)'' presentation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4722121/army_releases_applewhite_for_a_week_for/|title=Tele-Vues|author=Vernon, Terry|work=Independent Press-Telegram|date=June 10, 1956|page=64|access-date=March 24, 2016|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref>  While in the service he hosted a radio show produced by the Army, promoting the Army, entitled ''[Country Style, USA](/source/Country_Style%2C_USA)'' which featured leading [country music](/source/country_music) talent.<ref name=banister>{{cite book |last=Banister |first=C. Eric |date=2014 |title=Johnny Cash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Man in Black |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ufYTBQAAQBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22&pg=PT43 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |isbn=9781617136085}}</ref>  He also hosted another radio show that featured mainstream popular music talent.<ref name=dmn />  At one point he found himself hosting 17 weekly shows for the Army.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Charlie Applewhite Flits About the City in a Hurry |newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal |location=Milwaukee, Wisconsin |date=July 27, 1956 |page=18 }}</ref>  Applewhite also recorded with the [United States Army Band](/source/United_States_Army_Band) during his two years as a soldier.<ref name=army/> While still in the army in 1957, Applewhite married his second wife, Nancy English of Dallas.<ref name=Nancy>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4722378/second_wife/|title=Reunited Andrews Sisters|author=Wilson, Earl|date=February 26, 1957|work=Bristol Daily Courier|page=6|access-date=March 24, 2016|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref> After discharge he maintained residence in New York, but developed interests in his native [North Texas](/source/North_Texas), owning the Gaslight Club in [Dallas](/source/Dallas).<ref name=texas />

In September 1961 he was in a plane crash in [Midland, Texas](/source/Midland%2C_Texas) that took the life of his second wife, and an oil-executive friend while leaving Charlie unconscious and in critical condition.<ref name=dmn /><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Singer Injured Critically In Plane Crash |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19610926&id=u_IuAAAAIBAJ&pg=3141,4569811&hl=en |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |location=Sarasota, Florida |date=September 26, 1961|page=8}}</ref> Applewhite, a licensed pilot, was at the controls of the single engine aircraft when it crashed into a field near the Midland Airport.<ref name=crash>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13127410/charlie_applewhite_plane_crash/|title=Airplane Crash Kills Two|date=September 24, 1961|work=The Odessa American|access-date=March 24, 2016|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref> It took a year for Applewhite to recover from his injuries.  Because of the injuries to his face, Applewhite needed plastic surgery; he hoped he would then be able to make a comeback.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4722296/applewhites_plastic_surgery/|title=Voice of Broadway|author=Kilgallen, Dorothy|date=October 9, 1962|work=Warren Times Mirror|page=5|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref>

===Later years===
Applewhite moved from New York to [Lafayette, Louisiana](/source/Lafayette%2C_Louisiana) in 1965.<ref name=texas /> Retiring from the entertainment industry in 1967, he moved back to Fort Worth and started an office supply business.<ref name=texas /> Although he ended his professional career, he enjoyed embarrassing his family by singing in public areas.<ref name=dmn />  After suffering a stroke, he died in [Plano, Texas](/source/Plano%2C_Texas) in a [nursing home](/source/nursing_home) on April 27, 2001.<ref name=dmn /><ref name=texas />  Applewhite was married at least twice, and had two sons and two daughters.<ref name=texas /><ref name=divorce/><ref name=Nancy/>

==Style==
Appelwhite's voice was in the [baritone](/source/baritone) register.<ref name=dmn />  Applewhite desired to model his style after [Frank Sinatra](/source/Frank_Sinatra).<ref name=dmn>{{cite news |last=Murillo |first=Lisa |date=April 2, 2001 |title=Charlie Applewhite, crooner from FW, dies at 68 |newspaper=Dallas Morning News |location=Dallas, Texas|page=23A}}</ref>  He was billed as "the little man with the big voice."<ref name=texas />  He considered rock singers to be "the enemy" and blamed them for the decline of his popularity.<ref name=dmn />

==Television==
thumb|''TV Guide'' cover for April 9, 1954
In addition to appearing regularly on Berle's [Texaco Star Theatre](/source/Texaco_Star_Theatre) and the Paar programs, Applewhite also appeared on the television shows of [Jackie Gleason](/source/Jackie_Gleason),<ref name=dmn /> [Arthur Murray](/source/Arthur_Murray) and [Ed Sullivan](/source/Ed_Sullivan).<ref>{{cite book |last=Inman |first=David M. |date=2005 |title=Television Variety Shows: Histories and Episode Guides to 57 Programs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BiYTBQAAQBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22&pg=PA22 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=9780786421985}}</ref>

==Recordings==
For [Decca Records](/source/Decca_Records) three of his singles charted on [Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine)).  The first, entitled "Cabbages and Kings" occurred in February 1954.  Released on Decca 29001, it appeared on the charts for two weeks and peaked at number 28.<ref name=whit30>{{cite book |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |date=1986 |title=Pop Memories 1890–1954 |location=Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin |publisher=Record Research, Inc. |page=[https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit/page/30 30] |isbn=0-89820-083-0 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit/page/30 }}</ref>  His next hit occurred in April that year.  "This Is You" (Decca 29055) was his most popular recording according to Billboard, charting four weeks and reaching number 21.<ref name=whit30 />  His last charting single appeared in June of that same year.  "No One But You" (Decca 29125) appeared on the chart in singular instance, at position number 26.<ref name=whit30 />  Other popular recordings included "[Ebb Tide](/source/Ebb_Tide_(song))", "[I Could Have Danced All Night](/source/I_Could_Have_Danced_All_Night)", and "[I Love Paris](/source/I_Love_Paris)".<ref name=dmn /> He released singles for MGM Records in 1956.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=MGM Delivers the Hits! (advertisement) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9h4EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22+MGM&pg=PA44 |newspaper=Billboard |page=44 |date=April 28, 1956}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Reviews of New Pop Records |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwoEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22+MGM&pg=PA44 |newspaper=Billboard |page=44 |date=November 3, 1956}}</ref>  He was briefly signed to [RKO/Unique Records](/source/RKO%2FUnique_Records) in 1957.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=RKO-Unique Resumes Operations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cyEEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22&pg=PA31 |newspaper=Billboard |page=31 |date=July 1, 1957}}</ref>  Later in 1957, Applewhite signed with budget label Design Records, making an album for them entitled ''Our Love Affair''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4722185/applewhite_at_design_records/|title=Old Timers Enter Lists Once More|author=Sterling, Keith|publisher=The Ottawa Journal|date=March 15, 1958|page=10|via = [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Design Sparks Talent Grab |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NyEEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22+%22Design+Records%22&pg=PA17 |newspaper=Billboard |page=17 |date=November 18, 1957}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsnpubs.com/pickwick/design.html |title=Design Album Discography |last1=Callahan |first1=Mike |last2=Edwards |first2=David |last3=Eyries |first3=Patrice |date=December 18, 2003 |website=Both Sides Now |access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref>  He was also included in that label's first release of [singles](/source/Single_(music)).<ref>{{cite news |last=Rolontz |first=Bob|title=Music As Written |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eyEEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Charlie+Applewhite%22+%22Design+Records%22&pg=PA11 |newspaper=Billboard |page=11 |date=March 31, 1958}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|1498427}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Applewhite, Charlie}}
Category:1932 births
Category:2001 deaths
Category:American baritones
Category:American male pop singers
Category:Mass media people from Fort Worth, Texas
Category:Musicians from Fort Worth, Texas
Category:Traditional pop music singers
Category:Decca Records artists
Category:MGM Records artists
Category:Singers from Texas
Category:20th-century American singers
Category:20th-century American male singers

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Charlie Applewhite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Applewhite) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Applewhite?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.