Charles Kynard was a soul-jazz and hard bop organist who made a significant impact on the jazz scene during the 60s and 70s. Born in St. Louis on February 20, 1933, he grew up in a time when jazz was undergoing a transformation, infused with soul, gospel, and bop influences. After pursuing music education and playing in various local bands, Kynard moved to Los Angeles, where he further developed his career and became known for his funky and fluid organ style.

His discography, though not extensive, includes influential albums that showcase his virtuosic keyboard work and his ability to blend jazz with more popular music forms. "Your Mama Don't Dance" illustrates his skill at bridging the gap between jazz and the popular music of his day, while "Woga" embodies the groovy and rhythmic sensibility that characterized much of his work. The self-titled album "Charles Kynard" and "Afro-Disiac" are perhaps his most celebrated works, each capturing the essence of the era's soul-jazz movement. These albums feature Kynard's signature Hammond B-3 sound—a rich blend of melodic improvisation and soulful grooves—that cemented his reputation as one of the instrument's leading practitioners. Despite passing away at a relatively young age in 1979, Kynard's contribution to the genre has secured his place in the pantheon of jazz organ greats.