Few musicians embodied versatility and artistry like Charles Veal Jr. He was a violinist, arranger, conductor, and recording artist whose career transcends genre and generation.
As Tricia's first cousin (and godfather), Billy Diamond's nephew, Ernest McLean's stepson and Shirley Goodman's cousin, Charles continued the lineage of creativity and discipline that has defined our musical roots for decades. 

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Charles displayed exceptional musical talent at an early age.  He played violin, trumpet, viola, cello, was a conductor, string arranger, composer, and song writer.  He studied classically starting at 13 years old and continued with the same intensity that fueld his love for jazz and contemporary music.  This led to a combination that would shape a ground breaking career spanning orchestras, studios and stages around the world. He earned a bachelor's in music from the University of Southern California and also spoke fluent French.

Career Highlights

Charles Veal Jr. became one of the most respected and in-demand violinists of his era.
He served as Concertmaster for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and performed with leading symphonies including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, and Santa Barbara Symphony.

In the recording studio, his violin can be heard on albums by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Chick Corea, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mýa, The O’Jays, George Duke and Aretha Franklin, all artists who defined the sound of modern soul, jazz, and pop.

He has arranged and conducted for film, television, and concert productions, always blending classical precision with the expressive warmth of his Creole heritage.

Collaborations & Legacy

Charles’s collaborations represent a bridge between orchestral mastery and popular innovation.
From the sweeping strings behind Earth, Wind & Fire’s arrangements to his work on Chick Corea’s fusion projects, he exemplifies the artistry of connection and he was a musician equally fluent in the language of Bach and bebop.

His influence continues through teaching, mentoring, and performing internationally, inspiring new generations to pursue excellence without boundaries.

A Family of Visionaries

Within the Diamond family, Charles Veal Jr. stands as a living link between New Orleans roots and global recognition.
His music reflects the same principles that guide Treme Diamond today: authenticity, craftsmanship, and the courage to create across genres.

Featured Recordings

Whitney Houston – Fine, If I Told You That

Chick Corea – Tweedle Dee (Violin), Many albums (such as Secret Agent Man)

Lionel Ritchie - Truly, You Are

Phyllis Hyman - Betcha By Golly Wow

Aretha Franklin - I Knew You Were Waiting For Me

Outkast - Rosa Parks

Mya - Case of the Ex

Earth, Wind & Fire – Getaway, Saturday Love, Faces (Violin)

Michael Jackson – Off the Wall (Strings)

Explore the Legacy

Discover more about the Diamond family’s musical lineage through our Digital Archive pages coming soon to celebrating the sound, soul, and stories that continue to shape generations. Download a list of Charles' discography here