Ezra Charles (born June 17, 1944, in Texarkana, Texas, United States) is the stage name of Charles Helpinstill Jr, founder of the company of the same name which makes portable amplified pianos for stage performance.
His group was unusual for many years in that it did not employ an upright or electric bass.
In addition to the piano and bass, the group contains a guitar, drums, and a horn section.
Hailing now from Beaumont, Texas, Charles is the author of a song called "Beaumont Boys", which pays homage to many of the famous musicians from his hometown, including The Big Bopper, Johnny and Edgar Winter, and Harry James.
Charles is known for his lively stage show, which often features his piano catching fire[3] during particularly "heated" performances.