A fresh, young band with an old-school sound, the four members of Charlie Patton’s War attract heavy expectations by including a such an iconic bluesman in their band name. “Charlie Patton put on such an amazing and energetic live performance,” remarks drummer-vocalist Aaron Frazer, “we want to bring that same energy to the stage with our music.” And that is what Charlie Patton’s War does indeed, known as much for keeping a crowd dancing as for their powerful blend of rural blues styles with a rock and roll edge.

Charlie Patton's War formed in 2010 when musicians Aaron Frazer (vocals, drums), Blake Rhein (vocals, guitar), Kyle Houpt (guitar), and Justin Hubler (keyboards/piano) discovered a common interest in blues, jazz, and rock music. At the time, all four were students at Indiana University studying recording arts in the world-class Jacobs School of Music. They started Charlie Patton's War, a blues-rock project inspired by their one of their favorite blues musicians. The band quickly became a favorite around the college campus and began playing in more local and regional music venues.

Near the end of 2011, the band recorded Live at Russian Recording, eight tracks recorded before a live concert audience at Bloomington's iconic Russian Recording studio. The album was released in early 2012, and a great kick start to a year dedicated to building their live show. That year, Charlie Patton's War opened for notable artists such as The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Hanni El Khatib, and Mount Carmel. They performed at the legendary Deep Blues Festival that summer, joining a lineup that included many blues newcomers and veterans such as David Kimbrough, Jr., Ben Prestage, Left Lane Cruiser, and Brian Olive among others.

Winter of 2012 provided the perfect opportunity for the band to take time to put together a proper album for release. The self-titled debut, Charlie Patton’s War, was released on April 25, 2013. The debut album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band members themselves and includes eleven tracks of varying blues styles from rock n’ roll to gospel and impressively captures the talent and musicianship of the band.

The remainder of 2013 has been committed to playing every stage possible. Charlie Patton's War performed at the WIUX Culture Shock Music Festival, Linton Music Festival, Nutella Fest and took to the road sharing the stage with bands including Dan Deacon, Maps & Atlases, A Lion Named Roar, Shivering Timbers, Blessed Feathers, The Bears of Blue River, The Broderick, and Fluffer. Charlie Patton’s War has also been featured on two special edition recordings: WIUX Presents Live from the Black Box (2013) and College Radio Day: The Album (Volume 2) (2013).