Bob Watson

Bobby Watson is an American saxophonist, composer, and educator who draws inspiration from his Kansas City heritage. He has led various ensembles and served as a director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. After establishing himself as Music Director for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers from 1977 to 1981, Bobby Watson built a distinguished career as an American saxophonist, composer, and educator. Watson graduated from the University of Miami in 1975, where he studied alongside future luminaries such as Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Bruce Hornsby.

Following his tenure with The Jazz Messengers, which included extensive session work, Watson became a highly sought-after collaborator, working with prominent jazz artists including Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Max Roach, and Joe Williams. During this foundational period of his career, he also formed his own acclaimed group, Bobby Watson & Horizon, featuring bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis. Bobby Watson & Horizon released their notable album, ‘Post Motown Bop,’ in 1991. Demonstrating his versatility and leadership across diverse ensembles, Watson also led the High Court of Swing, a sixteen-piece Tailor-Made Big Band, and co-founded the innovative 29th Street Saxophone Quartet.

His compositions extended beyond the jazz stage when he contributed an original song to the soundtrack of the 1993 feature film, A Bronx Tale. In 2000, Watson transitioned into academia, accepting the prestigious role as the first William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Distinguished Professor in Jazz Studies and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Watson served as Director of Jazz Studies at UMKC for two decades, shaping the next generation of jazz musicians until his retirement in 2020.

Watson continues to be an active force in jazz, bringing his acclaimed performances and compositions to audiences worldwide while championing the art form.