McCracken joined Taste alongside drummer John Wilson, replacing original bassist Eric Kitteringham in 1968.[3] With Taste, McCracken opened for Yes, Cream and Blind Faith and at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970, alongside Jimi Hendrix and The Who.[4] In late 1970, they disbanded for numerous reasons, including bad management, differences with Gallagher and financial issues.[4] They performed their last show on New Year's Eve in Belfast.[5] Wilson and McCracken immediately formed 'Stud' in early 1971, with Jim Cregan and John Weider, both past/future members or Family,[6] while Gallagher went on to pursue a solo career.
Stud disbanded in 1973,[6] McCracken next joined a re-formed Spencer Davis Group with Spencer Davis, Ray Fenwick, Eddie Hardin and Pete York. The group released the albums Gluggo (1973) and Living in a Back Street (1974) before once again disbanding.[7] McCracken contributed to an album called Hardin & York With Charlie McCracken, with former Spencer David bandmates Eddie Hardin and Pete York in 1974.[8]
After four years, McCracken reappeared as bassist of Axis Point, with former members of Family, Spencer Davis Group and Judas Priest.[9] The band existed between 1977 and 1979.[10] McCracken resurfaced in 1983 as the first "Permanent" bassist of Fastway, a band founded by former Motorhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, and former UFO bassist Pete Way, Way had departed shortly after the band formation.[11] With Fastway, McCracken recorded All Fired Up in 1984 before departing alongside drummer Jerry Shirley after "Hardships of touring".[11]
Following the death of Rory Gallagher, McCracken and Wilson reformed Taste in 1996 with new guitarist/vocalist Sam Davidson. McCracken retired from the band and music in 2010, he was replaced by Albert Mills.[2]