Bobby Charles, born Robert Charles Guidry on February 21, 1938, in Abbeville, Louisiana, was a pioneering American singer-songwriter known for his contributions to swamp pop, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. An ethnic Cajun, Charles grew up influenced by Cajun music, country music, and the rhythm and blues of artists like Fats Domino, whose performance he credited with changing his life.

Charles began his music career as a teenager, performing with a local band. His breakthrough came with the song "See You Later, Alligator," inspired by a casual exchange with friends. Although Fats Domino initially rejected the song, Charles recorded it for Chess Records, which led to its popular cover by Bill Haley & His Comets in 1956. This success marked Charles as a significant figure in the swamp pop genre.

Despite not playing any instruments or reading music, Charles had a unique songwriting process, relying on collaborators to develop chord progressions. His notable compositions include "Walking to New Orleans" for Fats Domino and "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" for Clarence "Frogman" Henry, both of which became major hits.

Charles' career was marked by challenges, including racial tensions during tours and financial disputes over royalties, which led to periods of reclusiveness. In the 1970s, he relocated to Woodstock, New York, where he recorded with members of The Band and Dr. John, although the resulting album did not achieve commercial success.

Despite these setbacks, Charles' influence endured. He was honored by the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and continued to be celebrated posthumously, with his music featured in films and on Bob Dylan's radio show. Bobby Charles passed away on January 14, 2010, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.