Fond Memories
Madison, Ind., guitar instructor, musician Humphrey left a lasting legacy
He played in many local bands during his lifetime
(June 2020) – Lifelong Madison, Ind., resident and World War II veteran Charles Humphrey died May 6 at age 94. Humphrey is remembered in the community not only for his legacy as a servant of our country but also as a well-loved guitarist and musician.
“Charlie gave guitar lessons in town, and I took lessons from him when I was in the fifth grade,” said Rusty Bladen, a Madison, Ind., musician and songwriter who performs regionally. “I’d go on Saturday mornings and pay my buck-fifty for 30 minutes of lessons.”
 |
Photo provided Charlie Humphrey taught guitar lessons to many Madison, Ind., area youths. |
Bladen said that Humphrey did not teach his students how to read music like most traditional instructors do. “He taught us how to play by ear. There would be five or six of us in a circle with him in the middle, and we’d play as a group,” he said.
“He was an amazing guitar player. He could’ve made it big time. The way he taught, his patience and humor – it made you want to learn,” said Bladen. “He taught country more than anything. What he really was teaching was basic rock and roll; you just had to turn it up louder and play it faster, so that’s what I did.”
When asked whether Humphrey influenced Bladen’s career as a musician, he replied, “Every bit.” Bladen had the opportunity to visit with Humphrey eight years ago. “We sat and played a bit. Even with all the students he had over the years, he remembered me and supported my music,” he said. “I regret that I didn’t see him more often and get to play with him, professionally.”
Bladen and Humphrey are also featured on an album called “Madison Bands Together,” which is a compilation of songs by Madison musicians. “He influenced a lot of people and brought a lot of joy. I don’t think people realize what his contributions are.”
“I’ve been a successful musician over the years, and I have Charlie Humphrey to thank for that,” said Donnie Rowlett of Madison, Ind.
Rowlett, like Bladen, is a former student of Humphrey’s, though his experience was a little different. “I went to lessons one day wanting to learn, sat down and played a guitar boogie my own way. Charlie came over and gave me my dollar fifty back and told me I needed to go home.”
Rowlett never went back to lessons and found out years later that Humphrey told Rowlett’s father to “leave that boy alone.”
“He told my dad, ‘Mark my words, that boy will be a great guitar player.’ And now I’ve been playing for 30-some years,” said Rowlett.
“He was a fantastic musician. He always told me to come down to his house any time,” said Rowlett. Rowlett said he considered Humphrey a mentor. “He was a great friend to me. I loved sitting out in the audience and listening to him during his shows. He could play all night.”
“I’m grateful for the friendship and relationship I had with him. He was never a bragger and was smooth to anybody. If you couldn’t get along with Charlie, you couldn’t get along with anyone,” said Rowlett. “Because of him, I was able to develop my own style and have played all over because of that. My lifetime has Charlie Humphrey to thank for it.”
His granddaughter, Suetta Brooks, said of him, “My grandpa’s favorite song to his wife was The Gypsy. His first band he started playing with was Brit Langdon, Miles Hamilton and Billy Combs. He then he went on to play with several other groups. They played at reunions, weddings, clubs, etc. He played with Tommy Stewart, Richard Gilbert and Danny Lang in his later years.
“When he gave guitar lessons, he had 15-20 people in each class and charged $1.50 per class. He was extremely talented and never met a stranger.”
According to his obituary through Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Humphrey was a 1944 graduate of Madison High School and was a lifelong resident of the Madison community. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy on April 22, 1944, in Louisville, Ky. He rose to the rate of Yeoman Second Class during World War II. He served aboard the USS LST 781 CSH and the USS Eldorado, and was honorably discharged on April 6, 1946, from Great Lakes, Ill., receiving the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.
He married Geraldine Banta in 1947. Their 72 years together produced two daughters, Suetta and Sheila. Humphrey worked as a foreman at the U.S. Shoe Factory for 45 years when he retired. He was a member of the Madison VFW Post No. 1969 and the Maj. Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion, where he had served on the honor guard. A talented musician, he played the guitar in several bands. He also was a talented craftsman when it came to woodworking.
Humphrey’s wife died in November 2019. The couple left behind four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
