Drumstick

Object number2008.117.1 a,b

Date2008

MediumWood; Ink; Plastic

Credit LineGift of Roger Humphries

DescriptionPair of autographed wooden snare drumsticks.Dimensions0.5 x 16 in. (1.3 x 40.6 cm)
InscriptionsEach autographed by Roger Humphries in black marker.
MarksBlack ink label: "AMERICAN HICKORY / 5A", "Millennium / pro-man (?).."
Historical NotesPair of used drumsticks used by jazz legend and Pittsburgh native Roger Humphries. Humphries is known as a top session drummer and bandleader. His groups have included the RH Factor and the Roger Humphries Big Band and has played with jazz artists such as Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, Horace Silver, Ray Charles, Herbie Mann, and Nancy Wilson. Roger Humphries is rated by music critics as one of the most exciting percussionists in the business. Roger began playing professionally at the age of fourteen, and led his own group at the Carnegie Music Hall when just sixteen. In August of 1962, he played at the Hurricane in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. In 1964 Roger went to New York to join the Horace Silver Quintet, touring Europe twice. Roger recorded three albums while working with Silver. Shortly after leaving him, Roger began working with Ray Charles; his first experience working with a Big Band. While with Ray, he toured Europe and various cities throughout this country. He has since provided the rhythmic beat for such greats as Richard "Groove" Holmes, Stanley Turrentine, James Moody, Lee Morgan, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Green, and Lionel Hampton, to name a few. Humphries organized his own group in 1972 which he calls RH Factor and in 1996, assembled Roger Humphries' Big Band. He has also taught at the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and at the University of Pittsburgh. On February 23, 2008, the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh issued a proclamation as Roger Humphries Day.Label TextThis Pittsburgh native drummer has played professionally since the early 1960s with the likes of Stanley Turrentine, Horace Silver, Nathan Davis, and Dwayne Dolphin. In the 1970s he formed RH Factor and in 1996 the Roger Humphries Big Band. He has recorded two albums: This ’N That (1993) and Don’t Give Up (2003).

Related person Roger Humphries

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