Roberts, Charles embark on a 'Sentimental Journey'

The Jazz Connection, part of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, will present "Sentimental Journey: The Songs of World War II," a concert featuring Ray Charles, Lynn Roberts and Bob Alberti, at 7 p.m. May 13 at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort.

Charles is also known as "the other Ray Charles", a musician, singer, songwriter, vocal arranger and conductor featured on Perry Como's records, radio shows and television shows for 35 years.

As a vocalist Charles is known for singing the theme song to the television series "Three's Company" ("Come and Knock On Our Door").As a songwriter, he's known for "Letters, We Get Letters," originally written for "The Perry Como Show" and later used on the "Late Show with David Letterman."

Charles continues to serve as musical consultant to a number of television programs, most notably for the past 24 years on The Kennedy Center Honors.

As an arranger and writer of special material, Charles has worked with Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, as well as composers Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen and Harry Warren.In addition, Charles' choral anthem, "Fifty Nifty United States," in which he set the names of the states to music in alphabetical order, now is a staple of school choirs.

Throughout her career, vocalist Roberts has worked with Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Spivak, Benny Goodman, Harry James, and most recently, with the Doc Severinsen Band. She's performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Japan and Israel.

Leading the all-star band is local favorite Bob Alberti who as a conductor, composer, arranger and pianist has performed in the television and nightclub circuit all over the world. Performing with Albert will be tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, trombonist Dave Steinmeyer, trumpeter Bill Prince, bassist Frank Duvall and drummer Steve Primatic.