With much surprise, ROGER HUMPHRIES SR. sat in with the Tab Smith Big Band when he was 4-1/2 years old. Humphries began playing professionally at the age of 14. He led his own group at the Carnegie Music Hall when he was just 16.

Humphries is rated by music critics as one of the most exciting percussionists in the business. He has played with such well-known jazz artists as Lee Morgan, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Green, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Herbie Mann, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, Milt Jackson, and Jimmy Witherspoon. In Pittsburgh, Humphries has performed with Nathan Davis, Frank Cunimondo, Pete Henderson, Dwayne Dolphin, and all the other local greats.

Not to be overlooked is his steady work with Horace Silver, Ray Charles, Stanley Turrentine, and Shirley Scott, not to mention leading his own ensembles, the RH Factor and the Roger Humphries Big Band. Humphries also teaches at the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).

12/06