Columbia, South Carolina
1930 - 2021
Dr. Roger Max Pemberton October 17, 1930 - January 7, 2021 Columbia, South Carolina - Roger was born on October 17, 1930 in Evansville, Indiana. He was the son of John Max Pemberton and Mildred Norma Schauss Pemberton of Evansville. He graduated from Reitz High School in 1949 and from Evansville...
Read MoreI was a student at Newberry College from 1965-1969. Roger was a clinician at our annual Big Band Jazz to-do many times. I've rehearsed and played behind him as a trombone player so many times. What a musician! What a guy! I loved him and he loved Newberry College! He even came back and played at the tributes to Chief, which I attended. I think he was even living in NYC at the time! God Bless Him!
John R Rawl
October 20, 2023
Roger founded the Capital City Big Band back in 1997. The band continues to this day performing for community service and keeping the big band jazz era alive.
Brian Dressler
January 04, 2022
I am Joan Ost Ritter and Jack’s sister. They are enjoying the music in heaven. I loved to hear both play. Our condolences to your family!
Joan Ritter
February 09, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear this news. As a long-time faculty member at the University of Evansville, it was I who nominated him for the Honorary Doctorate, and it was richly deserved. Roger was a long-time colleague and a friend to everyone he met. His loss is a great one for the jazz world. I send sincere condolences to all his friends and family.
Edwin Lacy
January 15, 2021 | Friend
It was always thrilling to hear Roger make his horn sing! Even more so, an opportunity to make some music with him was both a joy AND an education. Never shy behind his saxophone, he would show us how it was meant to be...without saying a word.
He was my friend and I will miss him.
Bryson Borgstedt
January 14, 2021 | Friend
I loved Roger, the greatest musician around. I was honored that he had me play with him on a number of his gigs.
Edwin McCravy
January 12, 2021 | Friend
Roger was my saxophone teacher at IU. He was a great musician and a wonderful person. My life was enriched by having known Dr. Pemberton.
Robert McGlothlin
January 12, 2021 | Student
My first great saxophone teacher. Indiana University 1962-64; I saw him frequently in NYC, and last in
1992 in Columbia when I was passing through on a New Sousa Band tour. He was a scary-good player and a huge influence on me
Tom Gorin
January 10, 2021 | Student
My first great saxophone teacher. Indiana University 1962-64; I saw him frequently in NYC, and last in
1992 in Columbia when I was passing through on a New Sousa Band tour. He was a scary-good player and a huge influence on me
Tom Gorin
January 10, 2021 | Student
