Manchild’s Chuckie Bush remembered as master of soul
Musician’s funeral and benefit concert scheduled this weekend
Fans, friends and family members will gather in Indianapolis this weekend to celebrate the life of Charles “Chuckie” Bush, one of the city’s top musicians from the past four decades.
Vocalist-keyboard player Bush was a chart-topper as a member of Manchild, the Hoosier soul-funk band known for launching the career of Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.
Bush sang lead vocals on the 1977 Manchild single “Especially for You,” which appeared on the band’s “Power and Love” album (No. 154 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart).
Bush, 59, died two weekends ago in Las Vegas, where he was performing with funk band Cameo at Westgate Resort & Casino.
“Chuckie was an exceptionally talented musician,” said Sid Johnson, who worked as Manchild’s manager. “He did not accept mediocrity. He liked people to excel at their playing and singing because he was such a great musician.”
During the 1970s, Bush and his bandmates attracted crowds at East 38th Street nightclubs such as Function Junction.
Manchild issued two albums on the United Artists/Chi-Sound label — “Power and Love” and “Feel the Phuff” — before breaking up in 1980. Rappers Wiz Khalifa, Canibus and Currensy sampled “Especially for You” for 21st-century recordings.
A wake for Bush is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Zion Apostolic Church, 4900 E. 38th St. His funeral will follow at 4 p.m.
A benefit concert for Bush’s family is scheduled 5-9 p.m. Sunday at the Point, 3344 N. Arlington Ave. The roster of performers includes saxophone player Gregg Bacon (who collaborated with Bush in his post-Manchild days), the Downstroke Band, Rodney Stepp, Steve Cooper, Joon Walker and Alaina Renae.
Bush is survived by daughters LaToya Bush-Capler and Shavon Bush; sons Charles L. Bush III, Austin Bush and Josiah Bush; 10 grandchildren; sister Linda Bush; and brothers Keith Bush and Michael Bush.
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Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.