Charlie Smalls

Charlie Smalls (October 25, 1943 – August 27, 1987) was an American composer and songwriter. Charlie began giving piano concerts at the age of 5. Later he went to to Juilliard and High School of Performing Arts. After graduating in 1961 he worked as a pianist with New York Jazz Repertory Company and toured with artists like Hugh Masekela, Harry Belafonte and Esther Marrow. In 1967 he even appeared on the episode of "The Monkees Show" playing piano and talking with Davy Jones. He also released one single, "The Buzzard" under a name "C. Smalls & Co" Overall he is best known for writing music and lyrics to the 70's Broadway hit musical "The Wiz". The musical gave him two Tony Awards.