Roger Humphries is receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Jazz drummer Humphries, rose to national prominence because of his work with jazz legend Horace Silver in the mid-1960s. A native of Pittsburgh’s North Side, he recorded with Silver on three of his most famous recordings, Jody Grind, Cape Verdean Blues, and Song for my Father. He has since worked with countless jazz luminaries and is an internationally acclaimed artist in his own right. Returning to Pittsburgh to raise his family, he became active in philanthropy and community engagement. To raise funds for various initiatives such as athletic programs and neighborhood projects, he held annual “Boat Ride” jazz cruises aboard Pittsburgh’s Gateway Clipper. Recognizing that many of the students who attend Pittsburgh’s Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA) come from a socioeconomic background that presents barriers to college attendance, Humphries created a college scholarship fund. For nearly six decades, Humphries has mentored, taught, and shaped generations of jazz musicians in and around Pittsburgh, including multiple students from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was the first and longest serving percussion instructor at CAPA, and many of his students have achieved national and international acclaim in jazz and commercial idioms. Humphries’ dedication to education can be seen outside of the classroom as well. He has maintained a regular jam session with his band serving as the core of this experience for over 30 years.
Commencement Program (May 4, 2019)
PLM 5/14/2019