Charlie Ventura, born Charles Venturo on December 2, 1916, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an influential American tenor saxophonist and bandleader. Ventura began his musical journey with the C-melody saxophone, later switching to alto and finally settling on the tenor saxophone. He left his job at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1942 to join Gene Krupa's band, where he gained significant recognition as a featured soloist. His tenure with Krupa spanned from 1942 to 1943 and again from 1944 to 1946, interrupted briefly by a stint with guitarist and bandleader Teddy Powell.

Ventura's popularity soared in 1945 when he was named the best tenor saxophonist by Down Beat magazine. In 1946, he formed his own big band, although it met with limited success. He found greater achievement leading smaller groups, one of which included notable musicians such as trumpeter Conte Candoli, trombonist Bennie Green, alto saxophonist Boots Mussulli, drummer Ed Shaughnessy, and vocalists Jackie Cain and Roy Kral. Ventura's efforts to popularize bebop led to the creation of the "Bop for the People" band in the late 1940s, which sought to make bebop more accessible.

Throughout the 1950s, Ventura continued to lead various ensembles and formed the Big Four with bassist Chubby Jackson, drummer Buddy Rich, and pianist Marty Napoleon. He also worked as a sideman with Gene Krupa into the 1960s and collaborated with comedian Jackie Gleason in Las Vegas. Despite health challenges, Ventura remained active in music until his death from lung cancer on January 17, 1992, in Pleasantville, New Jersey. His legacy includes a rich discography and a lasting impact on the jazz genre, particularly in the swing and bebop styles. His great-grandson, MJ Lenderman, continues the musical tradition.