Sir Charles Thompson, born Charles Phillip Thompson on March 21, 1918, in Springfield, Ohio, was an esteemed American jazz pianist, organist, composer, and arranger. Known for his contributions to swing and bebop, Thompson's musical journey began with the violin before he transitioned to the piano during his teenage years. His early career saw him performing with notable territory bands in the southwest, including Nat Towles' band.

In 1940, Thompson briefly joined Lionel Hampton's big band but found his niche in small group settings. He was a prolific arranger, contributing to the works of Count Basie and Jimmy Dorsey. The 1940s and 1950s marked a period of collaboration with leading jazz figures such as Lester Young, who gave him the moniker "Sir Charles," Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Rushing, and Buck Clayton.

Thompson's career spanned several decades, during which he played with Roy Eldridge and led his own groups, often showcasing his versatility by playing the organ. Despite health challenges in the 1970s, he re-emerged in the 1980s, performing globally. His compositional prowess is exemplified by the jazz standard "Robbins' Nest."

Thompson's discography includes notable recordings such as "Robbins' Nest: Live at the Jazz Showcase" (2000) and "I Got Rhythm: Live at the Jazz Showcase" (2001). He passed away on June 16, 2016, in Tokyo, Japan, where he had lived with his wife Makiko since 2002. Sir Charles Thompson's legacy is marked by his understated yet impactful contributions to jazz music.