Biografia
Charles Rosenay, a resident of New Haven, Connecticut, is a multifaceted individual. He is an entertainer, MC/DJ, producer, actor, impresario, tour organizer, promoter, and haunted house operator. "For me, life truly began on February 9th, 1964, when The Beatles made their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. It's my earliest memory, and nothing has been the same since," he shares. His mother, Rose, hailed from the Bronx and was a vibrant New Yorker with a strong musical talent, playing piano by ear. His father, Harry, came from Brooklyn. Charles was born and raised in the Bronx until his family relocated to New Haven when he was ten. "They were the most loving and supportive parents imaginable. The radio was always on at home and in the car, and we were constantly singing," Rosenay recalls.
An only child, Charles never mastered any instruments but took lessons in accordion and classical guitar during his youth, though he eventually abandoned both. Singing, however, was his true passion. "Years later, I played Davy Jones in the tribute band MonkeeMania, nailing the tambourine and maracas," he notes. "If I had learned guitar or bass, I might have auditioned for 'Beatlemania,' but the Beatles' journey had other plans for me."
In the late 1970s, Rosenay discovered a Beatles convention organized by Joe Pope, a pioneer who staged America's first Beatles fan convention at Boston's Bradford Hotel and published the influential Beatles fanzine "Strawberry Fields Forever." Unbeknownst to him, Pope became an inspiration for Rosenay. However, it was the New York Beatlefest and the Broadway show "Beatlemania" that motivated him to produce his own Beatles convention in Connecticut in 1978 while still in high school, leading to the creation of Liverpool Productions.
By 1980, overwhelmed by fan requests to host conventions nationwide, Charles launched his own fanzine, primarily as a networking tool to stay connected with his growing circle of friends. Thus, "Good Day Sunshine" was born. Though neither the conventions nor the magazine generated income, Rosenay had established himself as a competent DJ, working with college radio and major stations in his region. Over four decades, he has become one of Connecticut's most sought-after DJ/MC entertainers.
By 1983, after three years, "Good Day Sunshine" had become one of the world's most widely read Beatles magazines, and the conventions were thriving. Invitations to produce and host events across the U.S. and abroad followed. A Massachusetts-based company, Rock Apple Tours, led by rock impresario Tony Raine of Cape Cod, invited Charles to host a tour of Liverpool, The Beatles' hometown. This evolved into Rosenay's own "Magical History Tour," where he met a host of Fab Four insiders who later appeared as guests at his conventions, including Pete Best, Cynthia Lennon, Mike McCartney, Julia Baird, Billy J. Kramer, Tony Sheridan, Horst Fascher, Allan Williams, Sam Leach, Joey Molland, Alistair Taylor, Alf Bicknell, Norm Rossington, and Gordon Millings.
Rosenay has brought numerous notable guests to conventions across the U.S. and led thousands of fans on tours to Liverpool. "I never met John Lennon, but I had close encounters with Paul McCartney several times, saw George Harrison once at a Tokyo airport, and met Ringo Starr at press events and on TV shows. While I wouldn't say I'm famous in Liverpool, I am recognized when I visit The Cavern. Over the years, I've been honored by official ceremonies from Liverpool's Lord Mayors, who have recognized me as an 'Unofficial Ambassador to Liverpool.'"
Looking ahead, Rosenay plans more conventions, tours, promotions, and MC/DJ gigs, with possibilities yet to be discovered. For many years, he has been asked if he will write a book recounting his experiences, travels, and adventures. Fans expect him to become a "paperback writer" and produce a Beatles book featuring his interviews and encounters.
His proudest achievement remains his family: the three children he and his wife Melissa have raised—Lauren, Harrison, and Ian. New Englander Charles F. Rosenay is truly a renaissance man engaged in numerous pursuits. Above all, he is a genuine, down-to-earth individual who loves what he does and has brought joy to thousands.
