Charles Ables

Born on 23 July 1943 in Mississippi, USA, and passing away on 8 October 2001 in Washington, DC, USA, the musician began his professional path on guitar, performing alongside Ray Charles and additional bandleaders. At the request of Shirley Horn, who required a bassist when the young guitarist first approached her, he made the transition to electric bass. The change quickly elevated his standing throughout the music industry. He remained a core member of Horn’s ensemble for an extended period, contributing to recordings—occasionally returning to guitar—and joining her on worldwide tours. Though his primary allegiance stayed with Horn, he also recorded and performed with Carmen McRae on Sarah: Dedicated To You, Toots Thielemans on For My Lady, and Joe Williams on In Good Company. Rarely seeking the spotlight himself, Ables supplied the steady pulse and technical finesse that distinguished numerous Horn releases, including I Thought About You, You Won't Forget Me, and Light Out Of Darkness (A Tribute To Ray Charles). He further appeared on the 1998 Grammy-nominated album I Remember Miles.