Charles Davis (May 20, 1933 – July 15, 2016) was an influential American jazz saxophonist and composer known for his work in hard bop, soul jazz, modal jazz, and jazz rock. Born in Goodman, Mississippi, and raised in Chicago, Davis developed his musical talents at DuSable High School and the Chicago School of Music, studying privately with John Hauser.

During the 1950s, Davis played with notable artists such as Billie Holiday, Ben Webster, Sun Ra, and Dinah Washington. He had a long-standing musical association with Kenny Dorham. In the 1960s, he collaborated with artists like Elvin Jones, Jimmy Garrison, Illinois Jacquet, Freddie Hubbard, and John Coltrane. In 1964, Davis was recognized in DownBeat magazine's International Jazz Critics Poll for his baritone saxophone skills.

Throughout his career, Davis was involved in various projects, including the cooperative group Artistry in Music and the Baritone Saxophone Retinue. He toured extensively, performing at major jazz festivals in Europe and the United States, and worked with the Clark Terry Orchestra and Duke Ellington’s Orchestra. Davis also contributed to musical education, teaching at PS 179 in Brooklyn and serving as a musical director at several nightclubs.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Davis continued to perform and record with numerous ensembles, including the Philly Joe Jones Quartet, Dameronia, and Abdullah Ibrahim’s Ekaya. He was named a BMI Jazz Pioneer in 1984 and participated in various international jazz festivals. Davis was also a featured soloist with the Barry Harris Jazz Ensemble and performed in the Three Baritone Saxophone Band.

Charles Davis's contributions to jazz were significant, and his work as a performer, composer, and educator left a lasting impact on the genre.