Chuck Hedges was born in Chicago. He received his “long pants” as a young man playing with jazz greats George Brunies, Muggsy Spanier and Danny Alvin. He moved to Milwaukee in the '60's and was part of the great Dick Ruedebusch Band, which appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Chuck recorded many records with Ruedebusch.

Chuck has made his home in Milwaukee and plays locally at the Red Mill and Selen’s restaurants, plus many concerts in the Midwest. He has performed with his Swingtet at Andy's in Chicago on Monday nights for more than 14 years.

He also travels from Milwaukee to points all over the world. He played with the late Wild Bill Davison across the European continent, England and Ireland, and is now performing with Tommy Saunders' Wild Bill Davison Legacy Band.

Chuck is dedicated to the clarinet. He believes that the clarinet is the "king" or the "queen" of the reed instruments and has spent most of his life attempting to produce what he believes is a fine sound, good technique and a jazz feel.

Chuck also heads the Chicago Swingtet and travels the world over with his Benny Goodman-style group.