Black History Month Spotlight: Roger L. Humphries

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - In celebration of Black History Month, we took a look at a local legendary musician who is giving back to his community.

Roger L. Humphries, a humble man from the North Side, wants to use music to reach young people the same way it helped him.

Humphries, a musical prodigy, began playing the drums at the age of three-and-a-half, joining his brother's band at age five-and-a-half.

His older brother, Norman, taught him how to have conversations with the drums and not just pound on them.

"It made me disciplined enough to study and become the best that I possible could be in playing drums,<" Humphries said.

A documentary about his life created by NOMMO Productions is being used to raise funds to benefit four Pittsburgh non-profits: The Afro-American Music Institute, The Jazz Workshop of Homewood, The Lighthouse Arts, Inc. and The Roger L. Humphries Music Scholarship Fund.

All are designed to help reach local youths through music.

Asked why these organizations were chosen Humphries said, "I had a chance to be affiliated with these organizations and they need support because they're doing great work."

Humphries has played with legends such as Stanley Turrentine, Horace Silvers and Ray Charles, among others. One of his huge hits with Horace Silver is "Song My Father." He continues to play the jazz he loves and produced his latest CD, "Keep the Faith."

The Roger Humphries Pass It On event will take place Feb. 22, at the Manchester Craftmen's Guild.

For event information call (412)-294-9892 or visit www.rhpassiton.com and www.mcgjazz.org for tickets.

Black History Month