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Charles Herbert Beal was born on September 14, 1908 in Redlands, California. He played freelance piano in the Los Angeles, California area before joining Les Hite’s band in 1930. Moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1932, he got a gig playing solo piano at the Grand Terrace in addition to working with Earl Hines, Carroll Dickerson, Jimmie Noone, Erskine Tate and Frankie Jaxon.

From 1933 to 1934 Beal accompanied and recorded extensively with Louis Armstrong. After departing from Armstrong he worked with Noble Sissle and then relocated to New York City late in 1934. There he did solo residencies and played with Adrian Rollini, Buster Bailey and Eddie South before moving to Canada for a time. After his return to the U.S. he served in the Army during World War II and upon his discharge he settled in Los Angeles again. There he played solo at the Jococo Room and found his way back into Armstrong’s ensemble in 1946.

From 1948 to 1956 he worked in Europe, returned to the States and spent three years as a member of the house trio at Embers in New York City. Later in his life he eventually returned to southern California, playing at the Racquet Club in Palm Springs.  Pianist Charlie Beal passed away on July 31, 1991 in San Diego, California.

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