The Life and Legacy of Carl Murphy

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Carl Murphy, 89, was born June 13, 1936 in Smithdale, PA, in a small coal mining town near West Newton, PA.  He was the 12th and youngest child to the late Vasco and Corrie Murphy.  His father, Vasco was employed as a coal miner in the town's coal mining operation and his mother, Corrie volunteered as a piano player at the local church.  Carl, affectionately known. as 'Plic' of 'Uncle Plic' throughout his life was raised in a musically oriented family. Father Vasco casually played guitar, but it was his mother Corrie, an established church pianist, who imparted her musical skills to all of her children including young Carl.  In addition, Carl would also pick up the art of playing jazz and rhythm and blues drumming from his older brother Robert 'Ham' Murphy, who was one of the best known drummers in the Western Pennsylvania in his time.  Upon graduating from Langley H.S. in Pittsburgh in 1955, Carl joined the U.S. Army where he would put his homegrown musical skills to good use in performing as a member of the U.S. Army band while stationed in Paris, France at various venues (including being invited to sit in with Bud Powell)  throughout his 4 years of active duty.  Upon returning home home in 1959, he met the love of his life, Thelme Daniels. Marriage ensued  that later produced their only child and son, the late Rashid Murphy, the pride of his life, who would go on to chair the Black Action Society at Pitt University and teach African American History at the Community College of Allegheny County for 25 years.

LIFE WORK:

After the military 'Plic' found employment with the P&LE Railroad Company, the U.S. Postal Service and Operation Better Block in the Homewood community of Pittsburgh. His big opportunity to advance his musical career came when his brother 'Ham needed a drummer to fill in for him when he and his band were performing at a downtown Pittsburgh hotel.  Carl soon became one of the household names of the African American musical scene since that time. Cal's band went on to play under the name of The 4 Most Authority and could be seen at many Pittsburgh night spots including Walt Harper's Attic, the Crescendo Lounge, the Hurricane, the Crawford Grill #2, the Night Cap East to name a few.  He would also play with some of the most known and talented musicians in Pittsburgh including Roger Humphries, Tim Stevens,  John 'Squirrel' Mosley, Bashir Ansari, Nelson Harrison, Pete Henderson, Wendell Byrd, Gene Ludwig, George 'Duke' Spaulding, Tony Campbell and Judge Warren Watson.  Carl following in his brother' Robert's footsteps, was recently honored as one of history's top jazz drummers in Pittsburgh at B-PEP'S annual Jazz Extravaganza held in October 2025.

FAVORITE THINGS:

Carl 'Plic' Murphy loved camaraderie with friends, family, fellow musicians and acquaintances.  His nickname 'Plic' became the alternate name for 'cool'  among those who knew him well with his beaming smile and spirit, always dressed to the max and performing with his band at many public and family events.  He was also known to be seen at all of his local musicians' union and jazz society gatherings and festivals, engaging in collegial conversations about life and music.  He especially enjoyed conversations with his late son Rashid about the latest happenings in politics, sports and music.  During his retirement he helped organize and was the drummer of bi-weekly jam sessions and get-togethers with elder Judge Warren Watson, an accomplished mentor and lifelong musical comrade and friend of over 60 years who at 102 still freely shares his wisdom between songs. Carl's love for music was varied and eclectic covering the full range of jazz rock, blues, R & B, hip-hop.  Carl also sang very well and loved to do so.  Some of his favorite artists were Charlie Parker, Nat 'King' Cole, Phyllis Hyman and Gill Scott Herron.  Carl was a man who loved and was lover by many.  A cool dude who lived and let live, playing his influential sounds in the Pittsburgh area covering a span of over 60 years with music that soothed the soul and provided healing over the decades to those hardworking people in Western Pennsylvania.  He will be greatly missed.

Carl departed this life on November 6, 2025 at his Bellefield Street Apartment in Pittsburgh, PA.  He was preceded in death by both parents, 11 siblings, his wife 

Thelma Murphy, son Rashid Murphy Sundiata and grandson Dwayne Wallace, II.  He leaves behind to cherish his memories: daughter, Kim Jackson (Dwight) of Baltimore, MD; granddaughter Nicole Wiley (Gary) of Baltimore, MD; great-grandchildren Jacob and Madison Conway, Zacheryah and Anayah Wiley all of Baltimore, MD.  Loving family, Eddie and Wuanna Murphy of = Chicago, IL; Perry Harper Lois and Harold Gaines of Seattl, WA; Vasco Stanley Harper, Laval Murphy and Diane Murphy of McKeesport, PA; Marion Thompson of Detroit,  MI; Larry Murphy Hasan and Craig Murphy of Duquesne, PA; Joeanne Stoutemire of Clairton, PA; Nathan Stoutemire of Wheeling, WV; phillip Williams of Pittsburgh, PA; Marion Thompson of Detroit, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends