5 things to know about Provost Charles Taber’s new music album
By day Charles Taber can be found at Anderson Hall, working in his office as provost
and executive vice president of Kansas State University. You may have spotted him
walking around campus, or appearing at university events.
However, what you may not know is that Provost Taber is also an accomplished musician,
and he recently released an album titled Chucky Trading Co.
Tim Schrag ’12, editor of the K-State Alumni Association’s member-exclusive K-Stater magazine, chatted with the provost about his new album. Although you can read the
full interview in the upcoming spring 2022 issue of the magazine, we’ve selected five
highlights about the provost’s music to share with you here!
1. He started playing guitar and writing songs when he was in high school.
“I was in a series of local groups into the 1980s, the best of which was 3 a.m., a
four-person folk-rock band in east Tennessee where I went to college,” Taber said.
2. The scenic landscapes of Kansas inspired him to start making music again.
“Over 30 years later when I moved to Kansas I found myself here without my wife or
family for an extended time and I picked up the guitar again,” he said. “Within days
of beginning to play again I started writing songs, beginning with Grace. I am not sure why I have had this burst of creativity, but I haven’t stopped writing
songs since coming to the prairie!”
3. The name Chucky Trading Co. was actually inspired by a restaurant.
“The name comes from a now-defunct Mexican restaurant and music venue on the banks
of the Nolichucky River in east Tennessee, which also is the first place to pay my
band, 3 a.m., to play music over 30 years ago,” Taber said. “They paid us with a great
Mexican dinner and whatever we could make in the tip jar!”
4. His main influences are the folk-rock groups and singer-songwriters of the 1960s-80s.
“Paul Simon remains my favorite songwriter, with Paul McCartney a close second,” he
said.
5. You can preview Charles Taber’s music now on Spotify.
If you’re a member of the K-State Alumni Association, be sure to watch your mailbox for your copy of the spring 2022 K-Stater, with the full article on Provost Taber’s new album. Not yet a member? Join now so you don’t miss out!