Charles Kynard

Biography

Charles Elliot Kynard (February 20, 1933 – July 8, 1979) was a highly respected American jazz organist, celebrated for his soulful, groove-driven style that bridged jazz, funk, and gospel traditions. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, to a family of professional musicians, Kynard began his musical journey on piano at age nine before switching to the organ. He pursued extensive formal education, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas and completing postgraduate studies at institutions including UCLA and the Hock-Schule for Music in Berlin. Early in his career, Kynard led his own jazz trio in Kansas City and gained national exposure through performances with the U.S. Army show and appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show.

In 1963, Kynard relocated to Los Angeles, where he became active in Hollywood studio orchestras and began recording with Pacific Jazz Records. He soon established himself as a leading figure in the soul-jazz and acid jazz scenes, particularly through his work with Prestige Records from 1968 to 1971. Albums such as 'Afro-Disiac' and 'Wa-Tu-Wa-Zui' showcased his dynamic left-hand technique, blues-based improvisation, and ability to create infectious grooves. Kynard collaborated with notable musicians like Grant Green, Houston Person, and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, and was recognized for his contributions to both the jazz and gospel communities, serving as a church organist and music educator throughout his life.

Though he never achieved the mainstream fame of some contemporaries, Kynard's recordings remain influential within jazz funk and soul jazz circles. His legacy endures through his innovative approach to the Hammond organ, his mentorship of younger musicians, and his dedication to music education and community service.

Fun Facts

• Kynard appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956 as part of the U.S. Army show.
• He frequently played the organ at Kansas City Athletics baseball games, improvising jazz versions of traditional songs during the seventh-inning stretch.
• Kynard balanced his music career with work as a special education teacher and piano instructor.
• He served as organist and Minister of Music at several Los Angeles-area churches, including First AME Church and First AME Church of Pasadena.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• B.C. Kynard (father) - Professional musician and early musical influence (Family musical environment) [1930s-1940s]
• Mother (unnamed) - Professional musician, provided early piano instruction (Family musical environment) [1930s-1940s]
• Ben Kynard (uncle) - Played with Lionel Hampton Orchestra; jazz influence (Lionel Hampton Orchestra) [1940s-1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Grant Green - Guitarist on multiple albums; key collaborator in soul-jazz recordings (Afro-Disiac, The Soul Brotherhood) [1968-1970]
• Houston Person - Tenor saxophonist on key Prestige sessions (Afro-Disiac) [1970]
• Bernard "Pretty" Purdie - Drummer on Prestige recordings (Afro-Disiac, Wa-Tu-Wa-Zui) [1970]
• Jimmy Lewis - Bassist on Prestige sessions (The Soul Brotherhood) [1969]
• Blue Mitchell - Trumpeter on Prestige sessions (The Soul Brotherhood) [1969]
• David "Fathead" Newman - Tenor saxophonist on Prestige sessions (The Soul Brotherhood) [1969]
• Idris Muhammad - Drummer on Prestige sessions (Wa-Tu-Wa-Zui) [1970]
• Gladys Knight and the Pips - Touring and concert performances (Live concerts) [1970s]
• Jimmy Witherspoon - Touring and concert performances (Live concerts) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Pat Metheny - Cited Kynard as the best organ player he ever played with; influenced by Kynard's musicianship (General inspiration, Kansas City jazz scene) [1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. El Toro Poo Poo (Charles Kynard)
2. Afro-Disiac (Afro-Disiac)
3. Sweetheart (Afro-Disiac)
4. Little Ghetto Boy (Woga)
5. Hot Sauce (Woga)
6. Rock Steady (Woga)
7. I Got So Much Trouble (Your Mama Don't Dance)
8. Odds On (Afro-Disiac)
9. Slop Jar (Woga)
10. Greeze (Charles Kynard)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia