Charles Lawton Jiles was born on December 16, 1929, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and became a prominent figure in the country music scene, particularly known for his contributions to the Bakersfield Sound. He grew up in the San Joaquin Valley after his family migrated west and attended high school in Delano, California. Jiles taught himself to play guitar at the age of nine and began writing songs and performing in local bands during his high school years.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Jiles pursued a full-time career in music. He gained recognition as the band leader for country music star Buck Owens in the early 1960s. Alongside his brother-in-law and songwriting partner Charles "Buster" Beam, Jiles co-wrote several platinum-selling songs for Patsy Cline, including "Let the Teardrops Fall," "I'm Blue Again," and "Crazy Dreams."

Jiles also collaborated with other country artists such as Porter Wagoner, Janie Fricke, Merle Haggard, T. Texas Tyler, and George Jones. In addition to his musical career, he was a successful accountant and co-founded Vista Business Service in Upland, California, with his second wife, Ruth.

In the early 2000s, Jiles wrote and published a book on the history of the Bakersfield music scene, titled "Birth of the Bakersfield Sound." He was a charter member of the Bakersfield Country Music Museum and was inducted into the Western Swing Society Hall of Fame.

Jiles passed away on June 20, 2020, in Taft, California, at the age of 90. He is remembered for his humility, dedication to family, and significant contributions to country music.