"What a wonderful reading of the birth and life of a jazz musician. It makes me wish that I had had the pleasure of Charlie's company. I really enjoyed reading 'Charlie's Notes.'"

Ron Carter

Legendary Jazz Bassist

 

"Charlie’s Notes: A Memoir by Cherie Kerr chronicles the life of Charlie De Pietro, revealing his journey from a troubled childhood to his later years with his wife, Marge. After marrying Marge in September 1940 against family opposition, they move to New York City, where Charlie expands his musical pursuits. Following the birth of their two daughters, they relocate to Los Angeles, where Charlie transitions from guitar to bass and gains prominence in the Hollywood music scene, performing at private events and interacting with notable stars. The couple faces various challenges, including career instability and health issues, but maintains a supportive relationship. In his later years, Charlie moves in with his daughter Cherie for care, and he passes away peacefully on August 21, surrounded by family and music that reflects his life.

In Charlie's Notes, Cherie Kerr captures the life of Charlie De Pietro, a musician whose journey pulls together through love, aspiration, and the realities of family dynamics. Kerr's writing is simple and straightforward, and I especially liked how she brought me into the world of post-war America, where Charlie's passion for music unfolds. Kerr skillfully breathes life into the couple’s move to New York City, and what a delight it was to read about their mingling with influential musicians. I was most impressed by Charlie's wife Marge, who is somehow able to balance her support for Charlie and his career alongside her own ambitions, plus the raising of a family. Talk about a Wonder Woman! With a keen eye for detail and emotional resonance, the memoir offers a fly-on-the-wall look at the pursuit of dreams and the bonds that endure through life’s trials. Recommended."

Jamie Michele

Reviewer for Readers' Favorite

 

"Charlie's Notes mesmerized me with its good ear for dialog, its fine eye for character and its finger-snapping musical motif. Delightful, earthy, authentic, immediate and emotive, Cherie Kerr speaks to our collective memories of familiar and alien immigrant homes and the common desire to fit in and to be special. Kerr strums the strings of our hearts with her grand love of her father, of music, of family."
Gus Lee
Author of China Boy and Chasing Hepburn

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"Cherie Kerr explores every high and low, every passion and fire that feeds a jazz man's soul - all the while painting this loving portrait of her father the way only a daughter can do."
Mark Dagostino
Journalist and Jazz Singer

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"Anyone who has a passion for his or her 'art' will love this book. It is simple, touching, and also a wonderfully nostalgic story. It is one of those books that begs to be made into a feature film!"
Lee Mendelson
Producer

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"Charlie 'Carluchi' DePietro's musical career provides exciting, first-hand experiences with some of the biggest jazz and Hollywood players from the golden era of the 20th century. His daughter, author Cherie Kerr, has detailed a deeply personal and touching account of the cruel effects of Alzheimer's as it robs Charlie of the memories most precious to him. Charlie's Notes is a vivid depiction of the unique life of an Italian American who, through his passion to play and the love of his family, made his dreams of music greatness come true."
Keely Baribeau
Producer
E! Entertainment Television​

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"A must read for all musician's. No matter the harsh obstacles of his immigrant childhood, the ups and down of show business, Charlie followed his bliss with tenacity. The author provides a real page turner. CHARLIE'S NOTES is a must read and for the avid reader it should be placed #1 on your list for 2005.
Thanks Cherie Kerr for sharing the life of CHARLIE."
Sincerely,
Nancy Kaye-Weiler

Music Therapist for long term care.

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"This book is a heartfelt tribute by a daughter who obviously understood the dreams, frustrations and drive of her beloved father. His love of music, the glue that held Charlie together through the insanity that was his early life, comes through loud and clear, as does his love for his family. While the great musical success he dreamed of always remained just out of reach, he clearly succeeded in creating a family that was bound together with love and respect. The music is, after all, fleeting, but the love remains, and this book is a testament to it."
A Loving Memoir, January 10, 2005
Reviewer: K. Gallinger (Southern California)

"Ms. Kerr did a fabulous job of representing her father's life with the utmost care, compassion and truth. Her metaphoric way of describing scenes in her father's life put me in the right mood at the right time. For example, the muscles in my body ached at the repeated beatings Maria Conchetta received at the whim of her deeply disappointed mother, Franchesca. I could feel the great loss Charlie felt when Eugene (Charlie's father) died. My heart pounded with the passion Charlie felt when he fell in love with Marge. I could hear the jazz playing in the background of my imagination as I turned each page. This is a great biography of a jazz musician and tribute to a well loved father."
Italian Angela's Ashes, January 5, 2005
Reviewer: E. Gambrell (Southern California)