bobby watson

Biography

Bobby Watson, born Robert Michael Watson Jr. on August 23, 1953, in Lawrence, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, is a celebrated American jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator. Inspired early by his father, who played saxophone and worked for the FAA, Watson's musical journey was shaped by a formative jazz history class in junior high and formal studies at the University of Miami, where he learned alongside future jazz luminaries such as Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius. Graduating in 1975, Watson moved to New York City and quickly established himself, becoming the musical director for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers from 1977 to 1981—a tenure during which he contributed to more recordings than any other member in the band's storied history.

Following his years with Blakey, Watson became a prolific session musician and collaborator, working with jazz greats including Max Roach, Louis Hayes, George Coleman, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, and Betty Carter. In the mid-1980s, he formed the acclaimed group Bobby Watson & Horizon with Curtis Lundy and Victor Lewis, creating a modern, hard bop sound that garnered critical acclaim and produced several classic albums for Blue Note and Columbia. Watson also led ensembles such as the High Court of Swing, the Tailor-Made Big Band, and the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, and composed for film, notably contributing to the soundtrack of 'A Bronx Tale.'

A dedicated educator, Watson taught at William Paterson University, the Manhattan School of Music, and, most notably, served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory from 2000 until his retirement in 2020. His influence as a teacher and performer has helped shape the next generation of jazz musicians, and his legacy is cemented by numerous honors, including induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and the American Jazz Walk of Fame. Watson continues to perform and record, celebrated for his intelligent, soulful approach to jazz and his enduring commitment to the music's evolution.

Fun Facts

• Bobby Watson contributed to more recordings with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers than any other member in the group's 35-year history.
• He composed music for the soundtrack of the film 'A Bronx Tale' (1993), directed by Robert De Niro.
• Watson’s album 'The Gates BBQ Suite' is a musical tribute to Kansas City’s famous barbecue and his family’s business.
• He was inducted into the American Jazz Walk of Fame on his 61st birthday, one of only two living inductees in the inaugural class.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Art Blakey - Band leader and mentor during Watson's tenure as musical director for the Jazz Messengers (14 Jazz Messengers recordings (1977–1981)) [1977–1981]
• Max Roach - Worked with as a young saxophonist, gaining experience from a jazz legend (Live performances and sessions) [Late 1970s–1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Curtis Lundy - Bassist and co-founder of Bobby Watson & Horizon; frequent collaborator (Horizon albums (e.g., 'Post Motown Bop'), 'Beatitudes') [1980s–present]
• Victor Lewis - Drummer and co-founder of Bobby Watson & Horizon; frequent collaborator (Horizon albums, 'Horizon Reassembled') [1980s–present]
• Branford Marsalis - Session and tour work (Various recordings and performances) [1980s–1990s]
• Wynton Marsalis - Session and tour work (Various recordings and performances) [1980s–1990s]
• 29th Street Saxophone Quartet - Founding member of the all-horn quartet (Albums such as 'Pointillistic Groove', 'The Real Deal') [1980s–1990s]

Artists Influenced

• UMKC Jazz Studies students - Mentored and taught as Director of Jazz Studies, shaping many emerging jazz artists (Student ensembles, alumni recordings) [2000–2020]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Merry Old Land Of Oz
2. I'm Glad There Is You (Back Home in Kansas City)
3. Keepin' It Real (Keepin' It Real)
4. Our Love Remains (Back Home in Kansas City)
5. Bustalk (A Bronx Tale - Music From The Motion Picture)
6. Imbao
7. The Merry Old Land of Oz
8. Ain't That Loving You (From the East Side)
9. For Milt (From the Heart)
10. Faith

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia