Charles Gayle (born February 28, 1939)[1] is a free jazz saxophonist, pianist, bass clarinetist, bassist, and percussionist, who sometimes performs as a mime, "Streets the Clown." Gayle was born in Buffalo, New York. He was apparently homeless for approximately twenty years, playing saxophone on street corners and subway platforms around New York City. In 1988, he gained fame through a trio of albums recorded by a Swedish label, Silkheart Records. Since then he has become a major figure in free jazz, recording for labels including Black Saint, Knitting Factory Records, FMP, and Clean Feed. He has also taught music at Bennington College. Tune in some of his music here.