10 Black musicians who put Pittsburgh on the map

Pittsburgh’s status as a city of great jazz and musical innovation began with the contributions of many Black artists in the 20th century. These leaders transformed America’s relationship with music and helped make Pittsburgh a thriving musical hub.

Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene is alive and well today. Many visitors come to enjoy live music and innovative work from local artists who thrive in Pittsburgh’s dynamic environment. Rapper Wiz Khalifa, pop singers Christina Aguilera and Daya, and rock band Rusted Root are just a few of the top musical acts that call Pittsburgh home. This culture of music and artistry thrives today because of the artists who paved the way in earlier years. Many of these pioneers were Black musicians who put Pittsburgh on the map as a hub for jazz and musical innovation.

Mary Cardwell Dawson (1894-1962)

 

 

Founder of the National Negro Opera Company, Mary Cardwell Dawson spent her adult life in Pittsburgh as a strong advocate for music and education. Her Cardwell Dawson School of Music in the Homewood neighborhood allowed young Black musicians to experience opera and classical training. Later in life, President Kennedy honored her advocacy work with an appointment to the National Music Committee.

 

 

Billy Eckstine (1914-1993)

Born in Pittsburgh, Billy Eckstine’s rich vocals fronting bands during the era of swing and bebop left a lasting impression on the music world. After making a name for himself singing with a band in Chicago, Eckstine formed his own big band. Known as the first bebop big band, the Billy Eckstine Orchestra was the launching pad for many of the era’s most famous musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. After his big band days, Eckstine recorded prolific solo and group records that influenced a generation of singers.

 

Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967)

One of Pittsburgh’s most famous musicians, Billy Strayhorn began playing classical piano at a young age. He studied at the Pittsburgh Music Institute where he excelled as both a pianist and songwriter. Despite loving classical music, Strayhorn immersed himself in the world of jazz after hearing performers like Art Tatum and Duke Ellington. Ultimately, Strayhorn used his classical training to work with Duke Ellington for 25 years, arranging and composing pieces together, including ‘Take the A Train.’ 

 

Lena Horne (1917-2010)

Well known for her performances as a nightclub singer and actress, Lena Horne spent several of her formative years in her father’s native Pittsburgh. She studied with other famed Pittsburgh musicians Billy Strayhorn and Billy Eckstine. Her life in the Hill District coincided with the rich explosion of Black musicians and artists in the area, and her future career was shaped by her experiences there.

George “Duke” Spaulding (1923-2018)

Before his death, George Spaulding was the oldest living member of the Pittsburgh Musicians’ Union Local 60-471. His skill as a pianist and a professional piano tuner for Baldwin Co. gave him the power to advocate for Black musicians’ union rights. When he started in Pittsburgh’s music scene, Black musicians were mainly constrained to playing in the Hill District. Spaulding noted that the camaraderie and support from the union was a key component to the vibrant music scene that grew in the area.

Ray Brown (1926-2002)

 

 

During his early life in Pittsburgh, Ray Brown became a well-known double bass player around town. When he moved to New York City after high school, his career took off when Dizzy Gillespie offered him a spot in the band. Brown would go on to play with many famous jazz musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald. Brown and Fitzgerald were married from 1947-1953. Brown continued to lead trios and quartets throughout his life and worked with musicians from a variety of genres.

 

 

 

 

Ahmad Jamal (1930- )

 

 

A jazz pianist and composer, Ahmad Jamal learned to play piano at three in his Pittsburgh home. He was fortunate enough to study formally with Mary Cardwell Dawson as he aged. He honed his craft by listening to the artists around him in the prolific Pittsburgh jazz scene of the 1930s and 40s. One historian notes Jamal’s profound influence on the trajectory of jazz by praising his “development of fresh form.”

 

 

 

George Benson (1943- )

 

 

 

 

Born and raised in the Hill District, George Benson got his musical start at a young age by playing ukulele and guitar at various venues around town. Although he recorded singles at just nine years old, his professional career took off in his late teens. During his prolific career, Benson played guitar with dozens of influential artists and has won 10 Grammy Awards across Pop, R&B, and Jazz categories. He continues to be an internationally-known jazz guitarist.

 

 

 

 

Roger Humphries (1944- )

Roger Humphries started playing drums in Pittsburgh at age four, quickly becoming a powerhouse. His Pittsburgh beginnings led to breakthrough opportunities in the 1960s when he played in Carnegie Hall, toured with famous trios, and recorded his first album tracks. He went on to play with many of the great jazz artists of the 20th century throughout his career. In addition to performing, Humphries has held numerous teaching positions at schools in Pittsburgh. His talents help shape the future artists in his hometown.

Phyllis Hyman (1949-1995)

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Known for both her acting and singing ability, Phyllis Hyman grew up in Pittsburgh towards the end of the city’s vibrant jazz renaissance. When she finished school, Hyman started her music career and successfully released several group and solo records. Her role in ‘Sophisticated Ladies,’ based on the music of Duke Ellington, won her a Tony nomination. She continued to record with well-known artists and on movie soundtracks until her death.

These Black musicians, along with many more, helped shape the eclectic culture that lives on in Pittsburgh today.

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