Jazz pianist and organist. Over his career Charlie played behind many greats including Ethel Ennis, Herbie Hancock, Milt Jackson, Zoot Simms, Eddie Harris, George Benson, Sonny Stitt, and many other top artists.
The Charlie Covington Organ Quartet in the ‘50s included Barry Thomas (tenor sax), Charlie Young (alto sax), and Mike Smith (drums). He later led a trio featuring Thomas, and Willie Barber (drums). Later groups included Jimmy Wells (vibes), Keter Betts (bass), Steve Williams… As part of a Trio, he performed at the Bandstand in the late ‘70s. Charlie along with Ethel Ennis performed at the Presidential inauguration for Jimmy Carter.
During the 1970s Charles secured grants from The National Endowment For The Arts to stage concerts in Baltimore.
In the mid-’80s the Jazz Residency Series featured Charlie’s performances with Shirley Horn, and Ruby Glover, and the Baltimore All Stars with Brenda Alford (vocals), Mickey Fields (sax), and Rick Johnson (drums).
From 1986-89 he toured with George Benson.
A sampling of albums he has appeared on includes “Shape of Things to Come” (George Benson), “Ten Sides of Ethel Ennis,” “Betwixt & Between” (with Herbie Hancock, Hank Jones, and Ron Carter).
Solo CD releases include “Charles Covington Live at the Hammond B-3 Organ,” “Charles Covington Plays Solo Piano,” “Charles Covington Plays Solo Organ.”
A self-taught keyboardist, Covington went on to teach piano at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and at Howard University.
In the ‘90s he could be seen performing at Churchill’s Jazz Club in Baltimore.
