Black History Month Legends: Craig Charles
When you think 'legendary funk and soul DJ', you think Craig Charles.
To celebrate Black History Month Nick Bright's been talking to Craig Charles about his life and career - spanning everything from presenting Takeshi's Castle to poetry commissions.
It wasn't always that way though, Craig originally imagined a career in sport...
Craig Charles: "I wanted to be a footballer originally"
Craig Charles tells Nick Bright about how he originally wanted to be a footballer.
Craig began his television career as a performance poet, including a stint as the resident poet on Black On Black, a black arts programme on Channel 4.
His poetry was radical, often racially focused and heavily influenced by growing up in Liverpool in the 60's and 70's.
Craig Charles: "I remember getting on the bus with my mum...and people moving away from us"
Craig Charles talks to Nick Bright about racism in Liverpool in the 60s & 70s
He would go on to appear in iconic shows such as Coronation Street, Robot Wars & Takeshi's Castle.
Before all that though, there was Red Dwarf. So how do you go from performing poetry depicting racial tensions in the UK to cult comedy actor?
Craig Charles On Red Dwarf: "I was told to jog on".
Craig Charles tells Nick Bright how he got the part of Lister in Red Dwarf.
"Music always played a part... I was always a funk and soul merchant".
Now he's known for the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show on 6 Music and the roof-raising club nights he runs under the same name.
Like his poetry, this passion stems from his background: "I grew up listening to the golden era of black-american music".
Craig Charles: "My dad came over in the late 50s with a pocket full of change and a bag full of records"
Craig Charles talks to Nick Bright about his love for funk & soul.
You can listen to Nick Bright's full interview with Craig Charles for Black History Month here
