Education
Born and raised in Fredonia, New York, Charlie studied music at Ithaca Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles in 1942 to pursue a career in showbiz.
Born and raised in Fredonia, New York, Charlie studied music at Ithaca Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles in 1942 to pursue a career in showbiz.
His instrument was the trumpet. He performed with the David Rose and Kay Kyser bands as well with artists such as Tennessee Ernie Ford (television show, "Sixteen Tons"), Red Skelton, Sam Cooke ("You Send Maine"), Dinah Shore, Bing Crosby, Ernie Kovacs and Andy Williams. He also appeared in a non-speaking role in the 1952 movie Meet Danny Wilson.
The Rhythmaires worked with Bing Crosby for almost ten years.
Parlato joined the Welk orchestra in 1962 as a trumpet player, he also was a regular on Welk"s television show playing not just in the band, but also as a vocalist in choral numbers and was able to feature his comedic talents in the show"s novelty numbers as well.
During his time with Kay Kyser, Parlato was a member of The Campus Kids vocal group. Another member of the group – Judd Conlon – formed a new group called The Rhythmaires in 1947 and Parlato joined this.