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CHARLES REEDY

CHARLES REEDY
May 5 1931 – Aug 9 2022

Charles Reedy was a well-known jazz musician who played for 75 years at the historic Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo New York. Born in Alabama, and later raised in Niagara Falls New York, he was a member of the NFHS Class of 1950, where he focused on music.

While in school, he began his music career with friends John ‘Spider’ Martin and James ‘Pappy Martin; both NFMusicHOF inductees. The played in clubs all around town such as The Ontario House, Club Sorrento, Odies, and Murphy's Tavern. Reedy, the first black electrician hired at Union Carbide, a veteran of the Korean War, a Buffalo State College graduate, taught and entertained for many years in the Buffalo Public School System.

He joined the Colored Musicians Club in 1947, where he also started a scholarship fund to encourage youth to pursue music. He was the oldest active member and is one of only four musicians on the ‘Wall of Fame’ in the Colored Musicians Club Museum.

Charlie was a well-known alto sax player called on to play many tributes to include a tribute to Charlie Parker with jazz piano legend Al Tinney at The University at Buffalo in 1990. This was a memorable musical high point for Reedy; when Al said he chose him because “You have that Charlie Parker sound.” In recognition of his contributions to music, Reedy has received many commendations in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He served as a mentor to many, and was quoted as being thankful to have gotten his start in Niagara Falls.

At 91 years old, he was still playing in the George Scott Big Band, The Larry Salter's band and his own four piece ensemble. It is an honor to induct Charles Reedy as a Legacy Inductee into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame, Class of 2022.

  CHARLES REEDY
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