Biography

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Chuck McPherson spent his formative years in Englewood, New Jersey in full view of the skyline of New York City. The son of jazz great Charles McPherson, Chuck McPherson was surrounded by music and jazz masters from his earliest years which served as a powerful influence on his musical and creative development. His professional career began at the age of 16 as a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter and has spanned the musical idioms of jazz, r & b, and rap. Chuck, a student of master drummers Billy Higgins, Max Roach and Art Blakey, is one of the original "young lions" of jazz. A gifted and versatile drummer, he swings with distinction and has a rare mastery of brushes.

Chuck McPherson has performed and toured with contemporary musical greats Freddie Hubbard, Roberta Flack, Harold Land, and many others and has performed in collaboration with poets, actors, and symphonies. Staff drummer for Sugar Hill Artists, the pre-eminent rap record label, Chuck has worked with some of the most vibrant artists in rap and contemporary music. True to the spirit of innovation, he pioneered blending hip-hop and jazz in 1984, topping out British Soul Charts with Shahid. His own "Soul Jazz Collaboration" recording hit #1 in Acid Jazz on MP3.com.

Chuck McPherson is also very active as a composer, producer, singer, and teacher. He can be contacted at (323)445-0795