Torrance, CA (September 25, 2019): Back in California for his 40th class reunion, singer-songwriter Charlie Imes, BMHS class of 1979, returned to campus today to speak to, and play his guitar for, Mr. Hankey's music classes. Imes shared his story with the students and played some of his own songs, as well as some cover songs familiar to today's students.
After graduating from Bishop Montgomery, Imes attended El Camino College and the University of San Diego. For many years, he was involved in law and politics until a bout with stage 3 colon cancer made him rethink his priorities; he decided to go back to music, which had been his first love in high school, and has been a traveling performer since.
One of his songs he performed for the students was "Gypsy Soul." It contains the line “I’m leaving behind a trail of sand, bringing my beach all across this land,” and he explained to the students that he didn’t just have the basis for the title track of one of his albums; the line summed up his approach to life. “Whatever song I sing, it has to touch my soul,” Imes explains. “Whether it’s a song I wrote or someone else, it has to resonate with me and speak to my heart. It tells a story I want to tell – and one that I think people want to hear.”
"It was such a treat to have Charlie back on campus to speak to the students," says Andy Marafino, Director of Advancement. "He is a talented musician and a wonderful person. His calming personality really resonated with the students today."
For more about Charlie and his music, visit www.charlieimes.com