Goshen's creative consultant is none other than Charles “Keep-A-Knockin'”
Connor, pioneering original drummer for rock 'n' roll singing legend Little Richard.
Connor, however, is not just another musician. He's a unique talent with a
fascinating story to tell.
As one of the few successful left-handed drummers in history, Connor created the unique
“Choo Choo Train” style of successive eight notes with a loud backbeat that is used
by nearly all subsequent Rock 'n' Roll drummers and, in fact, his drum sticks are on
display at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
Being the humble man that he is, Connor never sings his own praises.
But some notable people already have. “Charles Connor,” says Little Richard,
“is the greatest rock 'n' roll drummer - past or present.” According to
James Brown (aka “The Godfather of Soul”), “Charles Connor was the
first to put the funk into the rhythm.”
Born in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, Connor began playing drums
at the age of five. He dreamed big, practiced hard, and patiently endured. His
diligence paid off at the age of 12 when he began playing drums for local parties
and wedding receptions, but his 'professional' career began at 15 when Professor
Longhair hired him as a last minute replacement for the New Orleans Mardi Gras.
With family blessings and his mother's sage advice, “Never use your skin
color as an excuse” and “Never doubt yourself.” “If you
believe in yourself, everybody else will, too.” Connor went on to drum
for Smiley Lewis, 'Guitar Slim' 'Champion' Jack Dupree then Shirley and Lee.
At 18, Connor, joined Little Richard's original road band, the Upsetters.
They toured the United States and such countries as Japan,
the Phillipines, and Australia. Gaining momentum, they appeared
in such popular feature films as “The Girl Can't Help It”
with actress Jane Mansfield; “Don't Knock the Rock”,
and “Mr. Rock 'n' Roll”. The band recorded many songs
including such hits as “Keep A-knockin',” featuring
Connor's first four-bar drum intro on a rock 'n' roll record;
“Ooh! My Soul,” also featuring Connor's
distinctive 'Choo Choo Train' beat; and
“She's Got It,” with a regular back-beat.
When Little Richard 'retired' for the ministry in 1957, legendary
performer Sam Cooke took over The Upsetters and Connor again toured the United
States. During breaks between bookings, Connor toured with other talented
artists like Jackie Wilson, the Original Coasters, and 'Big' Joe Turner.
Connor recorded with 'Champion' Jack Dupree, 'Papa' George Lightfoot, Christine
Kittrell, Don Covay, Larry Williams, Larry Birdsong, and Dee Clark. Connor's
drumming can be heard on Clark's classic hit, “Hey, Little Girl.”
Not content to rest on past laurels, Connor has re-invented himself. He does
voice-overs, he gives drumming lessons, he writes songs, he makes personal appearances,
he gives does interviews, and he is an accomplished motivational speaker. He's completing a self-
empowerment book, too.
In his public speeches, Connor urges both young people and adults to
“Never Give Up Your Dreams.” Because of his experiences,
he has instant credibility. When he speaks, people listen. They know that he's “been
there and done that.”
Goshen is proud and honored to have Charles Connor on their team.
To find out more about him, visit his website
Legendary Drummer.
