Saxofonist

Charles McPherson was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1939 and moved to Detroit at the age of nine. While growing up in Detroit, he studied with the renowned pianist Barry Harris. McPherson began playing professionally at nineteen. Then, compelled by a desire to be in the heart of the jazz scene, moved to New York in 1959. He soon joined bassist Charles Mingus’s band in 1960 and stayed with the group until 1972. During his twelve years working with Mingus, McPherson collaborated frequently with Barry Harris, Lonnie Hillyer, George Coleman and others.

Charles McPherson

Dakota

Charles McPherson was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1939 and moved to Detroit at age nine. While growing up in Detroit, he studied with the renowned pianist Barry Harris and started playing jazz professionally at age 19.  He then moved from Detroit to New York in 1959 in order to be in the heart of the jazz scene. McPherson soon joined bassist Charles Mingus’ band and performed with Mingus from 1960 to 1972. While performing with Mingus, he collaborated frequently with Harris, Lonnie Hillyer, and George Coleman.

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Charles McPherson Quartet

Jazz Showcase

Loved for his fierce devotion to bebop as an entry point for boundless exploration, legendary saxophonist and composer Charles McPherson celebrates his 85th birthday at Dizzy’s Club. Assembling his long running all-star quintet of swinging and creative improvisers, the master artist shares new music from his recent live release Reverence, an album that pays homage to his mentor, the late Barry Harris, plus selections from the long arc of his storied career as a leader and a first-call collaborator. Don’t miss this historic event!  

Charles Mcpherson 85th Birthday Celebration

Jazz At Lincoln Center

Our jazz Guest Curator Charles McPherson’s New York band performs all over the world and is acclaimed by audiences everywhere. Now the internationally renowned legend brings the best jazz musicians on the scene together for two intimate shows in The JAI, celebrating their new CD release.

The Charles McPherson Quintet

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Charles McPherson was born in Joplin, Missouri and moved to Detroit at age nine. After growing up in Detroit, he studied with the renowned pianist Barry Harris and started playing jazz professionally at age 19. He moved from Detroit to New York in 1959 and performed with Charles Mingus from 1960 to 1972. While performing with Mingus, he collaborated frequently with Harris, Lonnie Hillyer (trumpet), and George Coleman (tenor sax).

Two generations of alto saxophone mastery come together for this exclusive double bill, featuring legendary bandleader and Charles Mingus associate Charles McPherson and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, Jr.

Donald Harrison Jr./ Charles McPherson

SFJAZZ Center

An eagerly-anticipated annual tradition at SJW, this concert presents some of the greatest artists in jazz, performing in combinations familiar and unfamiliar, delivering performances of unrivalled intensity, passion, and excitement. Among the artists you’ll hear are Kenny Barron, George Cables, Peter Bernstein, Rufus Reid, Larry Grenadier, Taylor Eigsti, and many others.

SJW All-Star Jam

Stanford University

One of the living legends of jazz, alto saxophonist Charles McPherson has been a sideman with some of the greatest artists in the history of the music, including Charles Mingus, Barry Harris, Billy Eckstein, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat Adderley, and many others. Many jazz fans may have marveled at Charles’ mastery without knowing it: He played Charlie Parker’s solo parts in the movie, Bird. Recording regularly for Prestige and Fantasy as a leader, his recordings comprise a veritable history of bebop and post-bop. Charles’ sound is the very definition of jazz, and his masterful playing represents bebop at its highest evolution.

Charles McPherson with Randy Porter, Russell Hall And Johnathan Blake

This is his story, these are his songs.

The second most recorded Jazz musician of all time, Thelonious Monk’s eccentric charisma, unique improvisational style and percussive approach set the standard for – not just Jazz musicians, but – musical icons ever since.

Join Gilbert Castellanos, Gerald Clayton, Lewis Nash, Russell Malone, Rodney Whitaker and special guest Charles McPherson for an evening celebrating one of Jazz’s most influential characters.

Straight, No Chaser: The Music Of Thelonious Monk

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Spend Valentine's Day with loved ones and the music of Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker and Dinah Washington.

Saxofonist

Charles McPherson

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 14, 2026

Songs for Lovers: The Music of Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker, and Dinah Washington · San Diego Symphony

Past events

May 22, 2025

Charles McPherson · Dakota

1 - 4 Aug, 2024

Charles McPherson Quartet · Jazz Showcase

About

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