Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Charlie Souza played music from the beginning. Growing up in his first rock and roll band "The Tropics" he didn't know then that he would end up in Hollywood with Tom Petty.

The years went by and while living in California, in 1994, on January 17th, The Big 7.1 Northridge Earthquakes epicenter was just 8 miles from his home. With the building falling down around him, he thought he was breathing his last breath but by the grace of God, survived the quake, only to be driven to tears by a weeks worth of 5.1 aftershocks! During which time, Charlie's only thought was to come home to the safety and comfort of the white sandy beaches he'd known as a young boy, here in Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Out of that deep emotion came the song "Carry me back to Saint Petersburg” which was performed live, on the big stage in Vinoy Park, November 15 th , 2003 at one O'clock.

Charlie Souza with the New Tropics Bill Peterson, Stephen Griggs and Michael Regar, made their debut at Ribfest 2003's Classic Rock Concert a home coming celebration in a way, to send the message that this beautiful area, Tampa/St.Pete, is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow not only for Charlie, but for us all who live here and enjoy the gift of sunshine and blue skies, all those boats out on the water, and the white sandy beaches.

Update: 2005
Charlie Souza ~ Bill Pascali ~ Cary Palmer ~ Doyle Lindsay ~

E-Mail: charlie@charliesouza.com    Web Site: www.charliesouza.com

~ Bill Peterson, Steve Griggs, Charlie Souza & Mike Regar ~