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WHEREAS, as we celebrate Black History Month during the Month in February, we pause to honor great African Americans such as legendary jazz pianist and Pittsburgh native, the late, great Walt Harper. Mr. Harper grew up in Schenley Heights and graduated from Schenley High School where from an early age he displayed a passion for jazz music. He then studied at the Pittsburgh Musical Institute and the University of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife Maggi and daughter Sharynn; and
WHEREAS, Walt Harper was nicknamed the "Prom King" for all of the college and high school dances where he and his band played. Through this endeavor, Walt Harper helped to spread his love of jazz music across racial lines through the jazz festivals and workshops he held in Pittsburgh. He recorded eight fantastic albums and his PBS special, "Walt Harper at Fallingwater" received an Emmy nomination; and
WHEREAS, Walt Harper and his ten piece band traveled all over the Eastern and Midwestern United States playing with great jazz legends such as Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, George Shearing, and so many more. He returned to Pittsburgh in order to share his jazz music with the city he loved; and
WHEREAS, Walt Harper played in several locations including the Crawford Grill and his own club, the legendary Walt Harper's Jazz Attic, and his restaurant, Harper's throughout Pittsburgh introducing many to jazz music by bringing it out of smoke filled rooms and into mainstream nightlife; and
WHEREAS, Walt Harper received the Mellon Jazz Community Award and the Harry Schwalb Excellence in the Arts Award in 2001 which honor outstanding artists who take risks and bring in new audiences.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to posthumously recognize and thank Mr. Walt Harper for his dedication to spreading the love of jazz music into the hearts of all people, regardless of race or nationality, throughout the City of Pittsburgh,...
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