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Charlie Watkins receives API Lifetime Achievement Award, London – UKby Ron Bennett |
Industry veteran, audio pioneer and well-known accordionist Charlie Watkins received the API (Audio Pro International) Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association) event, held at Earls Court, London. The British engineer and musician became known as the ‘Godfather of modern PA’ for his groundbreaking approach to loudspeakers and PA for outdoor rock events. Having established his own company, Watkins Electric Music (WEM), in 1949, he found fame in the 1960s and 70s when WEM PA systems in the kilowatt range became standard for British festivals, such as the Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury. On receiving his award, Charlie Watkins commented: “I was surprised and delighted to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, especially as I have thoroughly enjoyed and still enjoy working with such lovely groups of musicians, engineers and road managers, over the past 70 years. I hope to continue my life inventing and working with such people for many years to come.” Charlie Watkins has been a popular figure at accordion events in Britain for many years, and his WEM amplifiers are used by most UK accordionists and accordion-led bands. |