Howard Roberts Paintings

Howard Roberts was an American jazz guitarist, educator, and session musician whose career spanned several decades from the 1950s until his death in 1992. Born on October 2, 1929, in Phoenix, Arizona, Roberts began playing guitar at an early age, showing a prodigious talent that would lead him to become one of the most sought-after session players in the music industry. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1950s, where he quickly became immersed in the city's burgeoning jazz scene.

Roberts's versatility and proficiency on the guitar allowed him to navigate easily between jazz, pop, and even classical music genres, making him a favored musician for studio recordings. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he played on numerous hit records for a variety of artists, contributing to the success of many songs that became part of the American musical landscape. He worked with a wide array of musicians during this period, including Chet Baker, Nancy Wilson, and The Beach Boys, showcasing his ability to adapt his playing style to complement any artist or genre.

In addition to his session work, Howard Roberts also led his own groups, recording several albums as a band leader. His recordings during the 1960s, such as 'HR is a Dirty Guitar Player,' are particularly noted for their innovation and craftsmanship, and they remain influential among jazz guitarists. Roberts was also a pioneer in guitar education, co-founding the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood in 1977, now part of the Musicians Institute. This institution has trained thousands of guitarists, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music.

Roberts's educational contributions extended beyond GIT. He authored several guitar instruction books and was known for his insightful articles on guitar playing and music theory. His approach to teaching emphasized not just technical skill, but also creativity, music theory, and the practical aspects of a career in music.

Howard Roberts's impact on the music world was profound, both as a musician and as an educator. His death on June 28, 1992, marked the loss of a highly influential figure in jazz and popular music. Roberts's legacy lives on through his recordings, his contributions to countless hits as a session musician, and the educational paths he forged for future generations of guitarists.