Pittsburgh Jazz Stories Celebrate Hometown Legends

WZUM Jazz Pittsburgh highlights the legacies of Roger Humphries, Reggie Watkins, and Chu Berry

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:47pm

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WZUM Jazz Pittsburgh is shining a spotlight on the rich jazz history of the Pittsburgh region, featuring the stories and music of three prominent local jazz figures - drummer Roger Humphries, trombonist Reggie Watkins, and saxophonist Chu Berry. The program explores their connections to the city's jazz scene, their accolades and accomplishments, and upcoming performances honoring their legacies.

Why it matters

Pittsburgh has a storied jazz history, producing many renowned musicians who have made significant contributions to the genre. Highlighting the lives and work of these three artists helps preserve and celebrate the city's jazz heritage, inspiring the next generation of musicians and fostering community pride.

The details

The WZUM Jazz Pittsburgh program features in-depth conversations with drummer Roger Humphries, who has performed with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Stanley Turrentine, and Ray Charles, and recently had a street renamed in his honor. It also spotlights trombonist Reggie Watkins, a Wheeling, West Virginia native who has become a prominent figure in the Pittsburgh jazz scene, and his research into fellow Wheeling native and iconic saxophonist Chu Berry's early career connections to Pittsburgh. The program will showcase music from all three artists and promote upcoming performances, including a tribute to the legacy of Pittsburgh jazz drummer Art Blakey.

  • Roger Humphries recently celebrated his 82nd birthday.
  • A year ago, the street where Roger Humphries lives was renamed in his honor.
  • Reggie Watkins will perform with his trio at Con Alma in Pittsburgh on Sunday, February 8 at 5pm.
  • Reggie Watkins is organizing a show called "Indestructible" at Con Alma on Sunday, February 22 as a tribute to the legacy of Pittsburgh jazz drummer Art Blakey.

The players

Roger Humphries

A renowned drummer who has performed with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Stanley Turrentine, and Ray Charles, and recently had a street renamed in his honor in Pittsburgh.

Reggie Watkins

A trombonist who has become a prominent figure in the Pittsburgh jazz scene and has researched the early career connections of fellow Wheeling, West Virginia native and iconic saxophonist Chu Berry to the Pittsburgh jazz community.

Chu Berry

An iconic saxophonist who was active in the Pittsburgh jazz scene early in his career and had strong connections with Pittsburgh trumpeter Roy Eldridge.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.