(trombone) was born Charles Irvis at New York, New York on 6 May 1903, a son of Isaac and Jennie Irvis: the birth year 1899 has been reported, but is disproved by the census details. Charles was shown as aged 2 for the 1905 census, residing at 204 West 62nd Street, Manhattan. On 15 April 1910, the family resided at 570 Avenue C, Bayonne City, Hudson County, New Jersey. Charles was shown as aged 6. His father was aged 40 and his mother 29. His parents had been married 12 years. In 1920, the family resided at 36 133rd Street, Manhattan, and Charles was shown as aged 16, “Polisher, Factory”. Charlie recorded behind Esther Bigeou, Bessie Brown; M. Carter; and Lucille Hegamin. He worked with Bubber Miley, and Willie “”The Lion” Smith, and recorded with Clarence Williams. He is best known for his work with Duke Ellington (1924-1926). He developed the plunger-mute approach to the trombone. In 1930, Charles (26, “Musician, Orchestra”) was a boarder at 64 West 133rd Street, Manhattan. He appears to be the Charles Irvis who died in Albany County, New York on 23 April 1941, reportedly aged 36.