Cherie Kerr Reflects on Her Father's Jazz Legacy in 'Charlie’s Notes'

Cherie Kerr, a multifaceted artist, shared intimate details about her father's life and legacy in an interview discussing her book Charlie’s Notes. This memoir pays homage to Carluchi (Charlie) DePietro, Kerr's father, who was a jazz musician with roots in New York's immigrant community before making a mark in Hollywood's performance circuits.

Life of a Jazz Musician

Grabbing insights from a notebook that her father left behind, Cherie Kerr compiled stories highlighting the highs and lows of his musical journey—from the discrimination he faced in his youth to his interactions with music icons like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Kerr describes the heartfelt project as therapeutic, fulfilling her desire to preserve her family's history through storytelling.

From New York to Hollywood

The book traces Charlie DePietro's early life in an Italian-American family and his eventual move to Los Angeles during the mid-20th century's jazz scene upheaval. Kerr shares tales of her father's resilience as he navigated the industry, forming a narrative that goes beyond his professional endeavors to include touching personal sacrifices for family.

Passion for Music and Legacy

Cherie Kerr emphasizes her father's love for jazz and his reluctance to conform to emerging musical trends—until his later years when he gained appreciation for the genre's influence on contemporary bands. Charlie's dedication to his craft was unwavering and served as an example for Kerr, who imbues similar integrity and passion into her work.

A Potential Movie Adaptation

After winning awards and acclaim, Kerr's next ambition for Charlie’s Notes is to see it adapted into a movie. She invites potential collaborators with the means to help realize this dream to reach out, hopeful for what the future holds for her father's story.

Cherie, Kerr, Charlie's