Chuck Findley

Born into a musical family in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Findley grew up having regular jam sessions in his house with his father, who played the sax and Violin  and his Brother Bob playing trumpet or piano.

Findley learned to play trombone by listening to records of greats like JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Tommy Dorsey, Carl Fontana and Frank Rossolino. He worked five nights a week at Paderewski’s, a Supper club in Cleveland, playing 2 shows a night.

His talent earned him a full scholarship to the renowned Cleveland institute of music, which Findley attended while studying with renowned Bernard Adelstein who was the principal trumpet player with the orchestra.

Findley later toured with the great Buddy Rich big band, kicking off an award – winning career that includes performing and / or recording with a who’s who list of artists, including B.B. King, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Rolling Stones, Wrecking Crew, Al  Jarreau , Earth Wind and Fire, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Quincy jones, John Mayer, Pharrell, Maroon Five, George Harrison, just to name a few……

Findley joined the “Tonight show” with Johnny Carson in 1989, and then With Jay Leno 94 to 2001.