Born October 12, 1951, Jefferson County, Alabama. If one believes in nature versus nurture, or genetics over environment, then a case can be made for the overflowing creative and mechanical ability of Charlie Lucas. Charlie's father was a chauffeur in Jefferson County when Charlie was born, but he was also an ace auto mechanic. He taught his son how to take an engine apart and put it back together, and explained to him the intricacies of the working parts of an automobile.

Charlie's grandfather, Melvin Jordan, was a gunsmith and chair caner, and his great-grandfather, Cane Jackson was a blacksmith. "My great-grandfather Jackson was the gentlest man I ever knew," Charlie related, "I would go and watch him work. He never did anything ...