Charles Owens

Charles Owens has always believed in the importance of music education; after all, his own career began while attending the University of San Diego. As a result, Charles kept returning to education throughout his career even when he became a sought-after studio musician and touring jazz saxophonist. After serving in the US Air Force, he traveled with the Buddy Rich Band before finding steady work in the Los Angeles recording studios. He recorded with jazz artists Mongo Santamaria, Mercer Ellington, Gerald Wilson, Jimmy and Jeannie Cheatham, as well as blues performers including John Mayall and the ever innovative Frank Zappa. Charles played a role in the acceptance of jazz studies at the college level. When he first attended school, jazz was considered an inappropriate style of music to teach students, yet over the years, with the support of musicians and educators like Charles, this unique American musical style is embraced by universities around the world. A fact for which Charles has good reason to be proud.