Charles Weldon

Charles Weldon was a multi-talented individual known for his work as an actor, director, educator, singer, and songwriter. Born on June 1, 1940, he gained recognition as the artistic director of the Negro Ensemble Company, where he served for thirteen years. Weldon also co-founded the Alumni of this company and directed numerous productions. Throughout his career, he collaborated with esteemed figures such as Denzel Washington, James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Alfre Woodard, Muhammad Ali, and Oscar Brown Jr. Weldon began his journey in Bakersfield, California, where he worked in the cotton fields as a young boy. He later joined a local doo-wop group and went on to co-write the hit record 'Diamonds and Pearls' as the lead singer of The Paradons in 1960.