By Lorrie Irby Jackson - Dallas South News Contributor

2009 hasn’t been a kind year to many, but it’s definitely been a banner one for singer, songwriter, musical mentor, and icon; former Gap Band front man-turned-solo-star Charlie Wilson.

Wilson may have once been considered a has-been due to the dwindling success of his original family-based group, but the Tulsa, Oklahoma native slowly rebuilt his life and career by breaking loose from addictions that nearly derailed his career.  He’s been clean and sober for over 15 years and was able to return to the music industry via some well-placed cameos (with Aaron Hall, Snoop Dogg, etc.) before embarking on a successful solo stint.

Wilson’s fourth solo CD, Uncle Charlie, has proven to be the icing on the cake, garnering two Grammy nominations and a pair of super-smash hits, “Can’t Live Without You” and “There Goes My Baby.”

However, Mr. Wilson isn’t content with the musical accolades.  In addition to performing patriotically for American troops overseas (his five shows benefited soldiers and their families), he’s also turned his personal survival of prostate cancer into a worldwide crusade, sharing his story in an effort to educate men and their families about the importance of regular checkups and screenings as a spokesman for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Perhaps the old saying should be changed to, “when the going gets tough, the tough should follow Uncle Charlie.”

Charlie Willson will perform at the Dallas Convention Center on Saturday December 5th.  Doors open at 7 p.m.

Lorrie Irby Jackson is a freelance journalist based in Dallas and has covered entertainment professionally for several years, writing many for The Dallas Morning News. She will provide a review of Mr. Wilson’s concert here at Dallas South next week.  Her e-mail address is lorrie.irby@gmail.com.

Edited by Shawn Williams