Charles Ruggiero was born to be a drummer. The son of world-renowned jazz musician Vinnie Ruggiero, Charles spent his early years surrounded by the “who’s who” of jazz. There was always music around, and with musicians like Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones, Freddie Hubbard, and Jon Hendricks coming over to the house to spend time and play, it was only a matter of time before he caught the bug and asked his father to play the “bang-bangs.”
As a teenager, Charles got serious about drumming, playing for local high school, college, and professional big bands and theatre groups, as well as popular local bands throughout western N.Y. In 1990 Manhattan School of Music offered a full scholarship, so he jumped at the chance. The jazz scene in New York City at that time was vibrant, and he began playing regularly with his own “who’s who” of jazz, including Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, Ryan Kisor, Joel Frahm, Sam Yahel, Brad Mehldau, Myron Walden, and Chris Potter.
In 1994, Charles joined Chuck Mangione’s group, touring with the jazz superstar for the next 4 years. The first months of his time with Mangione provided him with the chance of a lifetime – learning the ropes, playing alongside the legendary drummer Steve Gadd. “He taught me so much, and he never uttered one word about music,” says Ruggiero.
In late 2000, former MTV/VH1 vee-jay, Abby Gennet, asked Ruggiero to play on a demo of a few of her songs, and the rock-n-roll band SLUNT was born. In only their second year, they were on tour with Marilyn Manson. The following years found them on tour with Motorhead, Drowning Pool, and Paul Stanley (KISS). After SLUNT, Charles found himself on Ozzy Osbourne’s Ozzfest tour, replacing drummer Matt Sorum (Guns N ‘ Roses/Velvet Revolver) as a member of Circus Diablo.
2007 was a big change – Ruggiero moved to Los Angeles. While working as a session drummer making pop and rock records, he also returned to his jazz roots. During this time, he was also the head drum teacher at 311 drummer Chad Sexton’s Drum City in North Hollywood.
A brief return (2013-2016) to NYC found Ruggiero reuniting with former SLUNT guitarist Pat Harrington by joining his stoner-rock powerhouse band, Gezzer. It also marked Charles’ debut as a bandleader with his first album, Boom Bang, Boom Bang!
2022 began a new chapter in Charles’ solo career with the release of Drummer. Composer. (affectionally referred to as Roo•Gee•Air•Oh! A phonetic spelling of his often butchered surname) – an album of completely original material by Ruggiero himself. It hit #25 on the Jazz charts and continues to receive acclaim and airplay.
2024 showed no signs of slowing down. Touring continues, as does recording, or with Charles making new records with Arturo Sandoval, Brian Bromberg, Bob Reynolds, Champian Fulton, Thom Rotella, Tony Guerrero, and many others, as well as releasing his own, But of Course, complete with standards, songs by his contemporaries, and a few more originals.
In April of 2026, Charles Ruggiero Plays MONK, Live! at the Baked Potato, was released, marking his 9th Record as a leader.
Photo Credit – Brian Bixby