Charles Schoen- "Rock & Roll Until God Turns Off The Lights"- MMHC Legends Series

The Fabulous Del Counts, who are widely considered the longest-running rock and roll band in the state of Minnesota, have a rich music history that includes roots in Northeast Minneapolis. Charles Schoen, lead vocalist and keyboardist for the Del Counts, once lived in the area.
“The first house I remember living in was off of 5th street and Lowry Avenue,” said Schoen. “My grandmother lived downstairs and my family lived upstairs. When I think about it, we all fit in this small place. It’s incredible. At the time, that’s all my Dad could do.”
Eventually, the family moved to North Minneapolis. After being hit by a car when he was nine years old, Schoen was unable to attend school due to the severity of his injuries. It was at that time that Schoen taught himself how to play the guitar.
“I was laid up for a year and a half in a cast,” said Schoen. “Tutors came to the house and gave me homework for the week. I would do it all on Monday right after they left. I did not have anything else to do, and I could not go anywhere. My Dad had a guitar sitting in the corner, and I got over to it. When I watched him [father] play, my mind picked up where his fingers went. I started practicing, humming, then singing. Music became my love.”
After learning how to play the guitar on his own, Schoen sought out people in the neighborhood to form a band with him. The name of the band was inspired by original member and friend Del Leon LaFave, who Schoen usually played basketball with at Perkins Hill Park, 300 34th Ave N., Minneapolis.
Courtesy
Counting beats for 59 years"
by Marla Khan-Schwartz
The Nordeaster

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Great job Neal,

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Glad you liked it