Charles Luckyth Roberts, known as Luckey Roberts, was born on August 7, 1887, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his career as a pianist and actor with traveling vaudeville and minstrel shows from a young age. In 1910, Roberts settled in New York City, becoming one of Harlem's leading pianists. He published his first rags, including "Nothin'" and "Shoo Fly", with assistance from Artie Matthews. His notable compositions include "Junk Man Rag", which was later published as both an instrumental solo and a song. Roberts also collaborated with Eubie Blake and performed with various troupes, including Mayme Remington's Black Buster Brownies Ethiopian Prodigies. Throughout his career, he continued to compose and perform in the jazz, ragtime, and blues styles. He passed away on February 5, 1968.
