Does Charlie Wilson Sing "Computer Love"?
Charlie Puth, not Charlie Wilson, is the artist behind the 2015 hit song "See You Again" (feat. Wiz Khalifa) and "One Dance" (feat. Wiz Khalifa and Selena Gomez). However, with Charlie Wilson’s soulful voice and legendary status as the lead singer of The Gap Band, one might wonder if he also sang "Computer Love". Let’s dive into the facts and answer this question.
Background on Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band
Charlie Wilson, born Charles William Wilson, is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for being the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated band The Gap Band, which was formed in 1979. The group was known for their smooth, soulful sound, and hits like "You Can’t Hurry Love", "Out on the Floor", and "Let Me Know You".
Comparison to "Computer Love"
"Computer Love" is an iconic 1983 song by the American R&B and funk band Zapp, featuring Roger Troutman on vocoder. The song is a classic of the 80s era, with its futuristic, robotic sound and innovative use of the vocoder.
Why Charlie Wilson Didn’t Sing "Computer Love"
While Charlie Wilson is a renowned R&B and soul singer, he was not involved in the creation or performance of "Computer Love". The song was part of Zapp’s debut album, "Zapp", released in 1982, with Roger Troutman on the mic. Charlie Wilson’s work is primarily associated with his time as lead singer of The Gap Band, with a signature smooth, soulful voice.
Stats and Fun Facts
- In 2019, "Computer Love" was ranked #22 on the publication Billboard’s list of the 100 greatest songs of all time by artists who were still active in the 1980s.
- Roger Troutman, the mastermind behind Zapp, was a pioneer of vocoder use in music, popularizing the effect in the 1980s.
- The Gap Band has released over 20 albums, with sales of over 10 million records worldwide.
- Charlie Wilson has won numerous awards, including Grammy nominations, American Music Awards, and Soul Train Awards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Charlie Wilson did not sing "Computer Love". While he is a respected R&B and soul singer, "Computer Love" is a Zapp classic, featuring Roger Troutman on vocoder. If you’re looking for Charlie Wilson’s signature smooth, soulful sound, check out his work with The Gap Band. Otherwise, enjoy the timeless, futuristic masterpiece that is "Computer Love" and its credited artist, Zapp.
Additional Resources
- Charlie Wilson’s discography: www.charliewilsonmusic.com
- Zapp’s discography: www.zappband.com
- "Computer Love" by Zapp (1982) on Amazon Music: www.amazon.com/Computer-Love-Zapp/dp/B000WIKWHA
References
- "Computer Love" by Zapp. (1982). Zapp. Total Experience Records.
- "Charlie Wilson". Discogs. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- "Zapp". Discogs. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
H3 Subheadings
- Background on Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band
- Comparison to "Computer Love"
- Why Charlie Wilson Didn’t Sing "Computer Love"
- Stats and Fun Facts
- Conclusion