July 24, 1939

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Alto saxophonist Charles McPherson was born on July 24, 1939 in Joplin, Missouri.

Growing up in Detroit he participated in the city’s local jazz scene before moving to New York in 1959 where he became renowned for his work with Charles Mingus from 1960 to 1972.

In 1964 he released his debut album as a leader “Bebop Revisited!” on the Prestige label, but it wasn’t until 1972 that he would lead his own band full-time.

In 1978 McPherson relocated again this time to San Diego, California where he remains working at times with his son, drummer Chuck McPherson.

Charles McPherson was called upon to record renditions of pieces by Charlie Parker to be used in the soundtrack of the 1988 film “Bird” a biographical film about the legendary saxophonist.

The “Charles McPherson Quartet” perform at Anthology Club in San Diego in 2008.

Personnel:

Charles McPherson, alto sax
John Campbell, piano
Jeff Littleton, bass
Chuck McPherson, drums

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