is most significant for being the drummer with 's 1965-1967 trio and for being the father of a remarkable musical family that includes bassist , drummer Codaryl, vocalist Charisse, trumpeter , and tenor saxophonist Charles Jr.

actually started out as a trumpeter, playing with and other groups as a teenager. He switched to drums while in college. worked as a high school teacher in Texas (1953-1961), but also played with jazz and R&B bands on the side. He first joined in 1961, but the altoist soon went into retirement for three years. worked with in 1963, recorded with (), and led his own group, which included and . When began playing again, was a part of his classic trio that also included bassist ; a couple of Blue Note records resulted. In 1970, he moved to Oakland, where he directed a music school and played locally with and . He later played with in New York and continued teaching. recorded two albums as a leader: A Savoy set in 1969 that featured him also playing trumpet and vibes and a 1974 outing for LRS with his children. ~ Scott Yanow

Charles Moffett

Credits