The legendary Rockie Charles, known as "The President of Soul" thanks to his early 1970's hit of the same name, passed away on March 12 at the age of 67.

Spending his formative years in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Rockie went on to back up the likes of Percy Sledge and Otis Redding. He also recorded gems like "Show My People Around The Curve" and became a regular fixture at the Ponderosa Stomp, before leaving music to resume his second career a boat captain.

He picked up his music career again in 1996, and he is pictured here performing strong at Jazz Fest 2009.

His presence will be missed, but his voice lives on at WWOZ.