CHARLES EARLAND

Biography

Charles Earland (May 24, 1941 – December 11, 1999) was an influential American jazz organist renowned for his mastery of the Hammond B-3 and his dynamic presence in the soul-jazz, jazz funk, and hard bop scenes. Born in Philadelphia, a city known for its rich jazz tradition, Earland began his musical journey on his father's alto saxophone and played baritone sax in high school alongside future jazz luminaries like Pat Martino and Lew Tabackin. After a stint with the Temple University band, he toured as a tenor saxophonist with Jimmy McGriff, whose organ playing inspired Earland to switch instruments. He taught himself the Hammond B-3 during breaks on tour, and after leaving McGriff, formed his own trio with Martino and drummer Bobby Durham.

Earland's career took off in the late 1960s when he joined Lou Donaldson's group, recording two albums for Blue Note before launching his solo career with Prestige Records. His debut album for Prestige, 'Black Talk!' (1969), became a soul-jazz classic, propelled by his energetic groove and a hit cover of 'More Today Than Yesterday.' Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Earland continued to evolve, incorporating synthesizers and funk elements, and collaborating with his wife, singer Sheryl Kendrick. Despite personal setbacks, including Kendrick's death in 1985, Earland remained a vital force in jazz, recording for labels like Muse, Mercury, and Columbia, and mentoring younger musicians. He was affectionately nicknamed 'The Mighty Burner' for his powerful, soulful playing and exceptional bass pedal technique.

Earland's legacy endures through his extensive discography, his role in popularizing the jazz organ, and his influence on subsequent generations of jazz, funk, and acid jazz musicians. He died of heart failure in Kansas City in 1999, the morning after a performance, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and energize listeners.

Fun Facts

• Charles Earland was nicknamed 'The Mighty Burner' for his powerful, fiery organ style and exceptional bass pedal technique.
• He began his musical career on saxophone and only switched to organ after being inspired by Jimmy McGriff while touring as a saxophonist.
• Earland's 1969 album 'Black Talk!' was a commercial breakthrough, reaching the Top 100 on the Billboard pop album chart—an unusual feat for a jazz organ record.
• He briefly studied for the ministry in Chicago, integrating spiritual themes into his later music.

Associated Acts

• Saka Acquaye and His African Ensemble

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jimmy McGriff - Earland toured as a tenor saxophonist in McGriff's band, and McGriff's organ playing inspired Earland to switch to the Hammond B-3. (Live performances, band tours) [early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Pat Martino - High school bandmate and later guitarist in Earland's trio. (Early trio recordings, live performances) [1960s]
• Lou Donaldson - Earland played organ in Donaldson's group and recorded two albums for Blue Note. (Albums with Lou Donaldson (1968-1969)) [1968-1969]
• Grover Washington, Jr. - Featured as a young unknown saxophonist on one of Earland's Prestige albums. (Prestige recordings) [late 1960s-early 1970s]
• Bobby Durham - Drummer in Earland's early trio. (Early trio recordings, live performances) [1960s]
• Sheryl Kendrick - Wife and musical collaborator, contributed vocals and songwriting. (Pop/disco collaborations in the late 1970s-1980s) [late 1970s-1985]
• Houston Person - Tenor saxophonist, played on 'Black Talk!' and other sessions. ('Black Talk!' album) [1969]
• Melvin Sparks - Guitarist on 'Black Talk!' and other recordings. ('Black Talk!' album) [1969]
• Idris Muhammad - Drummer on 'Black Talk!' and other sessions. ('Black Talk!' album) [1969]

Artists Influenced

• Eric Alexander - Young saxophonist who played in Earland's touring band and was mentored by him. (Touring band, live performances) [1990s]
• Jim Rotondi - Trumpeter mentored by Earland in his later touring bands. (Touring band, live performances) [1990s]
• Acid Jazz artists - Earland's grooves and compositions became staples in the Acid Jazz scene. ('Murilley' and other tracks) [1980s-1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Mighty Burner - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster (Black Talk! (RVG Remaster))
2. Coming to You Live (Coming to You Live)
3. Happy 'Cause I'm Goin' Home (Intensity)
4. Black Talk - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster (Black Talk! (RVG Remaster))
5. More Today Than Yesterday - Instrumental (Black Talk! (RVG Remaster))
6. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head - Instrumental (Black Drops)
7. Leaving This Planet - Vocal (Leaving This Planet)
8. Aquarius - Instrumental (Black Talk! (RVG Remaster))
9. 'Cause I Love Her (Intensity)
10. Here Comes Charlie - Instrumental (Black Talk! (RVG Remaster))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz, #jazz-and-blues