Charlie Young, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, has built a career that defines excellence and dedication in music. Currently residing in the Washington, D.C. area, he has served as Professor of Saxophone and Coordinator of Instrumental Jazz Studies at Howard University for over 30 years, where his work goes far beyond the expected. Known for his profound artistry and inspiring dedication to students and audiences alike, Charlie’s signature sound is amplified by his choice of Meyer and Otto Link mouthpieces, which he uses to bring depth and character to every performance.

A Global Stage Presence
Throughout his illustrious career, Charlie has shared the stage with legendary icons, from Clark Terry and Ella Fitzgerald to Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. His talents have taken him from New York’s Carnegie Hall to London’s Royal Albert Hall, earning him global acclaim. Since 1988, he has been a core member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, where he now serves as Artistic Director, Conductor, and lead saxophonist. His leadership extends to the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, where he has been both principal woodwind specialist and Artistic Director since 2013, guiding the ensemble through celebrated performances worldwide.

A Passionate Educator and Musical Ambassador
Beyond the concert stage, Charlie is a passionate educator and clinician, recognized for his influence in jazz education around the globe. His reach spans continents, with teaching engagements across Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Japan, and Europe. In 2008, he served as a musical ambassador, presenting the inaugural concert at the New American University in Cairo, Egypt. With over 30 recordings, including his solo album So Long Ago, and a legacy of leadership, artistry, and profound sound, Charlie Young is a jazz hero whose work inspires musicians and audiences worldwide.