Charles B. Findley (born December 13, 1947, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania) is an American trumpet player known for his diverse work as a session musician. He also plays other brass instruments such as flugelhorn and trombone. His technical abilities and versatility are renowned even among other session players, with the celebrated session horn player and arranger Jerry Hey saying "Chuck Findley can play anything".

Early life and career

Findley graduated Maple Heights High School in Ohio in 1965 and later the Cleveland Institute of Music. Findley's first professional work was with the Jimmy Dorsey Big Band before joining the Buddy Rich Band on a world tour. In 1989 he joined the Tonight Show band led by Doc Severinsen. He was also a member of the band on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno from 1994 to 2001. A regular collaborator on recordings by artists such as B. B. King and Steely Dan, he has also played and/or recorded with Nancy Sinatra, Miles Davis, Stanley Turrentine, Toto, Pat Boone, Christopher Cross, Jaco Pastorius, James Last, Lee Ritenour, Jackson Browne, George Benson, Luis Miguel, George Harrison, Elton John, Carole King, Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell, Jose Feliciano, The Rolling Stones, Dionne Warwick, Diane Schuur, Tom Waits, Randy Newman, Tina Turner, Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughan, Narada Michael Walden, Buddy Rich and many others. Chuck Findley played the flugelhorn solo on the Carpenters 1970 #1 hit record "(They Long to Be) Close to You". Findley often collaborates with his brother Bob, another trumpet player. Findley is considered to be a member of The Wrecking Crew. He played the trumpet solo in Blade Runner Blues by Vangelis.

Discography

With others