by Daniel Neman, December 28, 2020, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Everywhere you looked at musical theater in St. Louis, Charles Creath was there. He was the musical director for the St. Louis Black Repertory Co. for more than 35 years, contributed to musical productions across the country and served as an international ambassador for gospel music. Mr. Creath died after a short illness Friday (Dec. 25, 2020) at age 68.
To read the entire article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, click here: https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/st-louis-black-rep-musical-director-charles-creath-dies-at-68/article_2106d2c8-1c11-5812-a15c-0e5f2f780e06.html.
Charles “Chuck, Charlie, Chuckie Bird” Wendell Creath was born November 25, 1952 in Enid, Oklahoma and departed this life on Friday, December 25, 2020. His parents, Eugene Norris Creath and Agnes Creath Hughes, grandparents Charlie Creath, Thelma Burroughs, and B.W. and Myrtle Goodwin, aunts Irene Graham and Ida Goodwin Woolfolk, and cousin Wilbur Graham preceded him in death.
Charles grew up in the city of St. Louis, where he attended Marshall Elementary and Sumner High School. Charles attended Yale University and VanderCook College. Charles was a member of Kennerly Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Robert J. Ward, where he came to know the Lord. Charles began playing the piano at a young age. He played for several churches throughout his lifetime, the final church being Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Carlton R. Caldwell, where he served faithfully.
On February 14, 2001, Charles married Lisa Michele Dickerson, and to this union Kelci Elisabeth-Marie was born.
Charles was the musical director for the St. Louis Black Repertory Co. for more than 35 years, contributed to musical productions across the country, and served as an international ambassador for gospel music.
He performed as recently as Nov. 14 at the Black Rep’s Fifth Annual Gala. In April, he won the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for outstanding musical director for the Black Rep’s revival of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope.”
Ron Himes, his long-time friend, remembered him as “a musical genius. He could play anything, and he played everything. He was a tremendous gospel church musician, tremendous jazz musician. He could pick up any Broadway score and play it.”
“We had done several productions of ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ together, and he could play that whole show without the score. He was just an incredible arranger, composer and all-around great musician,” Himes said.
Charles won the Kevin Kline Award from the Professional Theatre Awards Council for outstanding musical director in 2011 for “Five Guys Named Moe.” He was also musical director on “Sarafina!” — which won the award in 2009. In addition, he was honored by the Post-Dispatch in 2009 for best musical director for “Blues in the Night” and by the Riverfront Times in 2010 for best musical director for “Ragtime.” Charles also played to a different audience doing pre-shows at the Muny for the last several years.
In addition to his work on musicals, Charles was a leading figure in the world of gospel music. As artistic director of both the Golden Gospel Singers and the Gospel People, for over 25 years, he toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia.
Early in his career, he was a studio musician in Los Angeles at Glen Glenn Sound, which provided music for television shows and movies. He was the grandson of the seminal St. Louis hot jazz bandleader Charlie Creath and has served as the mentor of countless young area musicians.
Apart from the music scene, Charles loved watching CNN (and any other news channel), being a doting father, discussing current events, acquiring knowledge, and caring for his family. He also enjoyed travelling, cooking, and browsing at Best Buy and Micro Center.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lisa M. Creath, daughters Candace M. Creath, Lauren B. Morrow, and Kelci E.M. Creath, son Christopher Charles Creath (Jessica), stepsons Thomas L. and LaVell D. Dickerson, grandsons Kingston Moore, Creed Charles Creath and Cruz Charles Creath, cousins Irene Myrelia Chaudry, Sarah M. Edwards (Christopher), Chris and Caleb Edwards and Brandon Charles Graham, mother-in-law Rose M. Dickerson, father-in-law James E. Dickerson, sisters-in-law Florine Y. Scott, Annie V. Chalk and Tracy L. Dickerson, brothers-in-law James E. Dickerson Jr., Jonathan E. Dickerson (Trina), and Derrick L. Dickerson, and countless personal and professional friends.
SERVICES: Private family visitation. Mr. Creath will Lie in State (family will not be necessarily present)1-8pm Saturday, January 9, 2021at KRIEGSHAUSER WEST MORTUARY 9450 Olive Blvd., Olivette. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Charles Creath Memorial Fund at The St. Louis Black Repertory Co.
Virtual services are being offered 3pm Sunday, January 10, 2021 through the following link provided by the St. Louis Black Repertory Co:
https://fb.me/e/Iw50mv5t
Due to St. Louis County mandate, the COVID restrictions include that guests must wear masks and a maximum number of 50 people so that social distancing can be practiced in our funeral home. Thank you for your patience during these difficult times.
