Charley Straight, born Charles Theodore Straight on January 16, 1891, in Chicago, Illinois, was a prominent American pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his contributions to ragtime and jazz. He began his career in 1909 as an accompanist for vaudeville singer Gene Greene, with whom he co-wrote "King of the Bungaloos," a piece noted for its early use of scat singing. Straight's career flourished in the 1920s as a bandleader in Chicago, where his Charley Straight Orchestra performed at the Rendezvous Café and recorded for Paramount and Brunswick Records.

In addition to performing, Straight was a prolific composer and arranger, creating numerous compositions such as "Rufenreddy," "Knice and Knifty," and "Blue Grass Rag." He also worked extensively with the Imperial Piano Roll Company, recording many piano rolls. During his career, Straight collaborated with notable musicians like Roy Bargy, contributing significantly to the ragtime and early jazz scenes.

Tragically, Charley Straight's life ended on September 22, 1940, when he was struck by a car in Chicago while working as a sanitary inspector. Despite his untimely death, Straight's legacy in American music, particularly in ragtime and jazz, remains influential.