This is the short biography taken directly from the booklet notes of the CD “Troubles They Are But Few” [Topic TSCD664]. This CD is number 14 in the 20-volume “Voice of the People” set. Charlie is heard singing “Sing Ivy” on this CD. –

CHARLES MAURICE (CHARLIE) POTTER was born, the son of a joiner, in 1902 in the town of Horsham, Sussex. He, too, worked all his life as a joiner for the local building firm. Hoad and Taylor, and he continued his trade in the army during the war while stationed in Greenock. Scotland. He learned songs from his father. James Potter, who had earlier learned songs from Henry Burstow (born 1826) whose prolific repertory of traditional songs is listed in his book. Reminiscences Of Horsham (1911). Burstow, in fact, used to visit the house and sit in the kitchen singing, while Charlie, just a child, sat under the table listening. Charlie was self-taught on the mouth-organ and is described by his son as having been “a very quiet, unassuming man”. He played and sang for his own amusement and at small family gatherings During the 1950’s. when square dancing had become very popular, he attended several English Folk Dance & Song Society workshops held annually at Lodge Hill, Pulborough, Sussex, and he was usually persuaded to sing and play for a few dances. His son, Terry Potter, is a well-known mouth-organ player in country-dance circles in Sussex.