"Southern Gospel Music's Best
Friend":
"You could cut Charlie Sexton
with a knife, and he'd bleed Southern Gospel Music!" That's
what Mr. Jacky Fortner, tenor for Southern Gospel group,
"Liberty" often jokingly says, when referring to his
long-time friend. That's something that Sexton proudly
agrees may just be true. He has loved this particular genre
since he was a small child. "Well, it may be better stated,
'when I was young', 'cause, I've never really been small!",
he quips with a robust laughter. To say he knows his craft
is an understatement. Some have even called him a walking
encyclopedia of this popular style of religious music. Yes,
he does seem to know his stuff.
"My earliest memories of life
are of attending Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Clarkdale,
GA where Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters were members.
Hearing their music in church as well as at home on the "HiFi"
literally changed my life." Charlie says. "I learned from
them the importance of God first, family second, and
ministry and church life third. I've tried to live my life
by the example they showed me at such an early age."
As a teenager, Charlie began
playing the piano at Zion View Baptist Church in Lithia
Springs, GA where he also accepted Christ in the early
80's. In 1984, he was instrumental (no pun intended) in the
formation of New Fellowship Church, also in Douglas,
County. It was there, that he started playing for a family
group, The Saxon Family from Lula, GA. Traveling mostly on
Fridays and Saturdays, and being back home for church on
Sundays was important to the group, so Charlie was able to
split his time easily between the two. Eventually, he was
given the opportunity to join "Liberty", a very successful
all male group. But with that change, he had to give up his
position as church pianist.
For over 8 years, besides
playing keyboards for the group, he wore many other hats in
the Liberty organization. He sharpened his skills in
concert and group promotions and even acted as scheduling
coordinator for that group. He went on to play
professionally for Brenda Robinson & New Desire for two
years, before leaving that ministry to help start a new part
time group, Mercy Road. Charlie has made many friends in
the professional realm of the music industry. He just has a
knack for loving his way into everyone's heart that he
meets. "Scripture teaches us that to have friends, you have
to show yourself friendly. I've never had a problem with
that. In some ways, I'm kind of a shy person, but when it
comes to sharing my faith, I have a boldness that even
amazes me sometimes." Charlie relates. "I'm humbled by the
host of friends I've garnered over the years. I just try to
treat everyone the same, whether they be socially
underprivileged or a famous millionaire. I'm always just
ole Big Charlie."
Recent years have found him
being personal caretaker for several elderly and ailing
family members. Helping take care of two grandparents, a
little Down's Syndrome cousin who had Alzheimer's Disease,
and her father who has Lou Gherig's Disease (ALS) during
their final days on earth has had a profound effect on
Charlie. "During about a one year period of time, we
buried 4 of my closest family members. My little family
unit went from eight to four so quick. And then my Dad's
health started to decline. He died in June of '06. Now it's
just the three of us: me, my Mom and my Aunt Frances. But
God's been faithful to sustain us through this time, and
he's sent me a wonderful, Christian friend, in 'Foster'.
Charlie's girlfriend, Linda
Foster is an awesome singer in her own right, and Charlie
recently produced her first solo CD in the Spring of '06.
It's interesting to note that he often calls her by her last
name. " I don't know why we call her that! All of her
close friends do. She's just 'Foster' to us!" Charlie
chuckles. Linda lives in Marietta with her Mom, Janice and
older sister, Debbie, who has Multiple Sclerosis. "I admire
Foster for committing herself to seeing after the needs of
her little family. That's just one of many things that we
have in common: taking care of those who took care of us
when we were kids. It's just what we do. It's who we
are." Although they're not ruling out marriage, it's not
really something they've discussed at length. "We're OK
with our relationship as it is now. Sure. Who wouldn't
like to have a classic storybook marriage? I'd be lying if
I said we didn't. But for where we are right now with our
respective situations, we're honestly at peace with it.
And, I think God honors that."
Most recently, you can find
Charlie attending classes at the Chattahoochee Technical
College in Marietta, Georgia where he is pursuing a degree
in Entertainment Technology. That's the study of the
fascinating world of audio and video production. "I'm
loving every minute of it." Charlie states. "At 42, I'm
considered the old man on campus, but I just get in there
and act like a kid with the rest of them, and have a good
time! I've made some great contacts, and a few fellow
believers. That's made it even more exciting for me." This
is yet another avenue of ministry for Sexton. "I've had the
opportunity to share my faith with several of the students.
I'm longing for the day that I can lead one of them to
Christ. That would be 'off the chain', as these kids say."
In October of 2006, Charlie
accepted the position of Minister of Music at Sharon Baptist
Church in Smyrna, Georgia where Rev. Ryan Bunch is the
Pastor. With a quite smile, Charlie concludes, "Church and
Southern Gospel Music. Plain and simple. It's my life.
It's all I know. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Charlie Sexton is a big man, with a big heart, and he is
undoubtedly Southern Gospel Music's Best Friend.
--Tim Blankenship
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