The Singing Senator: A Life of Music, Service, and Advocacy

Charlie Albertson, born on January 4, 1932, in Duplin County, North Carolina, is a man whose life story is a rich tapestry of music, politics and community service. From humble beginnings during the Great Depression to the highest positions of power in the state government, Albertson's journey is marked by his passion for country music, his dedication to public service, and his commitment to positively impacting his community and beyond.

Growing up on a tobacco farm, Charlie was the eighth of nine children. His early years were shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression and the Second World War. Four of his brothers served in the military during the war, so the responsibility of farm work often fell to the younger children and the elderly.

Albertson's love for music was nurtured in those early days on the farm. "I told [my father] one day, 'I'm gonna write me a song.' He said, 'All right.' And that's what I did," he remembers. The first song he wrote, a spiritual piece called "I Know There's a Place Called Heaven," was inspired by his upbringing in the church. "Our father took us to church, especially when the war was going on," Albertson recalls. "I grew up in the church and I grew up singing in the church." The influence of his church and those gospel tunes would have a profound impact on his music. 

Albertson's musical career took off in the 1960s while he and his band released records and performed extensively across the region. He was thrilled to accept an invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in the early '70s. Playing at the Opry, known for its rich country music history and legendary performances, was a dream come true for Albertson. "I was so nervous, I began singing the chorus far too soon," he recalls. "But the Opry band are all pros, so they were able to adjust without skipping a beat!"

Despite offers from major labels and the potential for a thriving career in Nashville, Albertson chose to stay close to home for the sake of his family. "Tommy Cash, Johnny Cash's brother, offered me a great recording contract, but he said I would have to move to Nashville," Albertson recalls. "But I had two young children; I couldn't do that. I'd have to give up too much."

Despite offers from major labels and the potential for a thriving career in Nashville, Albertson chose to stay close to home for the sake of his family. "Tommy Cash, Johnny Cash's brother, offered me a great recording contract, but he said I would have to move to Nashville," Albertson recalls. "But I had two young children; I couldn't do that. I'd have to give up too much."

His dedication to his family did not dampen his love for music. Some of his musical career's most memorable and enriching experiences occurred in the mid-70s, as he and his band partnered with the USO to entertain U.S. troops stationed across 26 countries. This experience allowed Albertson to bring a taste of home to servicemen and women far from their families, and it also profoundly impacted his view of his own country. "The world is a lot different than America, but I still think America is the best hope for the world." 

After retiring from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the late 1980s, a new opportunity presented itself: entering politics. He served in the North Carolina House of Representatives and later in the Senate, where he became known as "The Singing Senator." His tenure in the Senate, until his retirement in 2010, was particularly notable for his leadership on the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, where he tackled contentious issues such as swine farming regulations and green energy initiatives. 

Albertson's advocacy is rooted in his personal experiences - especially abroad - and his understanding of the importance of community support. "I think community service is just part of my DNA," Albertson says. "My dad was a community-minded man. He only finished the fourth grade, but he served on the school board for several years. He was always doing things to help people."

Now, at age 92, Albertson reflects on his life with a sense of fulfillment – and urgency. "I try to keep moving and have a reason to get up every morning," he says. "I think it's important to have something to get up for, to look forward to."

He remains active in his community and continues to write music and share messages that he is passionate about, driven by a conviction that his work can still make a difference. "Daddy can't stop writing songs," his daughter, Pam Darnell, says. "It's just who he is. He needs to express what's inside of him, and that's how it comes out, with his songwriting."

Alberston agrees. "We don't have a lot of time on this earth, and time is short. So if you want to do something - you better be doing it."

To learn more about Charlie Albertson's remarkable life, watch The Singing Senator documentary on Thursday, 7/25, at 10 PM on PBS NC and streaming nationwide on the PBS App. 

Denver Hollingsworth, Filmmaker
Director, Producer & Editor

Denver was born and raised in eastern North Carolina and has had a passion for filmmaking and storytelling since a young age. A self-taught filmmaker, Denver's award-winning narrative and documentary films often showcase his greatest strength: telling a compelling, engaging story that resonates with an audience. His most recent documentary, Jackson, won the Best Original Story Award at the 2023 Atlanta DocuFest. Denver resides in Wilmington, NC, with his wife and two daughters. 

Charlie Albertson
Documentary Subject

Charlie has been a lifelong resident and advocate of North Carolina, with a front-row seat to the seismic changes within the state and the world over the last nine decades. After pursuing a successful country music career throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Charlie served in the N.C. legislature for over 20 years, responsible for some of the most impactful legislation in the state's history. At 92, Charlie continues to write and record music, leveraging his innate drive and ambition to continue to create positive change.