Byrd recorded more than 100 jazz and classical albums during a career that spanned more than half a century. He helped launch the bossa nova as an international phenomenon by releasing the record Jazz Sambe with jazz icon Stan Getz.
His last performance was Sept. 18, 1999 at the Maryland Inn's King of France Tavern in Annapolis, where he became a permanent fixture soon after moving to the state capital in 1972, after many years at the Showboat Lounge on Columbia Rd NW, in DC and later in Silver Spring, Md.
Born in Suffolk, Virginia, Byrd learned guitar from his father, who was a mandolin player, young Charlie grew up listening to the Southern musicians who frequented his father's general store during The Depression. He attended Virginia Tech and fought with the Army in Europe during World War II. where he also played for the troops.
By the late 1940s, Byrd had established himself on the East Cost jazz scene. In 1950 he moved to Washington, D.C., to study with Sophocles Papas. And in 1954 went to Italy to study with Andres Segovia.
Among his many hits was Desfinado.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Byrd; two daughters, a granddaughter and two brothers.
Reuters/Variety/Personal interview
