(1892 - ? 1940's)

Born in Wisconsin in 1892 Charles A. Matson was a African American barber and pianist very active in New York City during the mid-1920's. After graduating from high school in 1910 he started out as a member of Elgars's famous Chicago band for a period of four years. Following his departure from the group Matson moved to New York where he would excel as a talented composer, accompanist, and band director associated with a string of successful Broadway revues.