Roger Humphries

Upcoming Events

RH Factor Jazz on the River 2025

29 June @ Gateway Clipper Fleet

About

Born on January 30, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USARoger Humphries is an acclaimed American jazz drummer with a career spanning several decades. The youngest of ten children, Humphries began his musical journey at the age of four and went professional by 14, showcasing his talent early on as he led an ensemble at Carnegie Hall at just 16.In the early 1960s, Humphries gained prominence in the jazz scene, touring with notable musicians. His collaborations included a significant stint in a trio with jazz legends Stanley Turrentine and Shirley Scott in 1962. He made notable contributions to Horace Silver's celebrated albums, including *Song for My Father* (1964) and *The Cape Verdean Blues* (1965), where he shared the stage with esteemed artists such as Joe Henderson and Woody Shaw. His versatility also led him to perform with iconic figures like Ray Charles, Lee Morgan, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others.In the early 1970s, Humphries founded his own band, R.H. Factor, and continued to lead various ensembles through the 1990s. His expertise in music education has been recognized through teaching positions at the University of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.Humphries has released several albums under his name, with recordings in 1993, 2003, and 2011, further solidifying his legacy in the jazz genre. His extensive list of collaborations and performances reflects his significant impact on jazz, R&B, and pop music, making him a revered figure in the music community.