Charles Thompson

Charles Phillip Thompson (born Springfield, Ohio, 21 March 1918) is an American swing and bebop pianist, organist and arranger.

He was a professional pianist from the age of 10. By the age of twelve Thompson was playing private parties with Bennie Moten and his band in Colorado Springs. During this time Count Basie played off and on with Moten's band, and during a showing Basie called the young Thompson up to play. He was dubbed Sir Charles Thompson by Lester Young years later.

Thompson composed the jazz standard "Robbins' Nest". He has chiefly worked with small groups, although he belonged to the Coleman Hawkins/Howard McGhee band in 1944-1945. Throughout the 40s he recorded with Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon and J.C. Heard, among others.

Today Thompson lives in California.

Discography
With Paul Quinichette
 * Takin' Off - Delmark Apollo Series
 * Robbins' Nest: Live at the Jazz Showcase - Delmark
 * I Got Rhythm: Live at the Jazz Showcase (with Eric Schneider) - Delmark
 * Sir Charles Thompson and Coleman Hawkins: For the Ears - Vanguard
 * Sir Charles Thompson and the Swing Organ - Columbia 1959
 * Moods (EmArcy, 1954)