Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Eric Roberson is a big part of the 16th Pittsburgh international Jazz Festival (9/17-9/20).
Roberson, a New Jersey native and known of the original pioneer and king of Independent Soul Music, will perform on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at the free outdoor festival.
WBGO's Doug Doyle chats with Eric Roberson about his upcoming performances, his family and amazing career.
Roberson is also a Build Artist in Residence at theAugust Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh, the annual presenter of the festival. That position if made possible through the generous support of the Joyce and George Wein Foundation.
During his chat with Doug, Eric Roberson talked about what "soul" means to him.
"I look for soul music in everything. The classical music that I lean towards has soul in it. The rock bands like Radiohead and The Beatles had soul in it. Jazz music like Brian Blade's Fellowship (Band) and Dizzy (Gillespie), there's an undertone of soul. There's a level of transparency and honesty in it. Sure it can be a hit song but I think what's naturally pulling it is what you are naturally hearing and not being compromised."
Eric talked about growing up in New Jersey and pulling from all genres of music.
"We went to church a couple times a week for choir rehearsal. We sang all day Sunday, but on Saturday night I was going to the club and dancing to house music. My dad every Tuesday was coming home with a paper bag full of rock music, funk, jazz, R & B and everything. In school, we were beating on the tables and rapping.
At the 2026 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival presented by Artistic Director and AWAACC's President and CEO Janis Burley Wilson, Roberson will be doing two concerts -- music from his latest album plus The Improv Sessions, which is an intimate, interactive live experience with no set let and no rules. It blends a soulful concert, theater, and creative conversation where Eric freestyles, shares stories, and interacts directly with the crowd.
Eric plans to soon release a new album on the heels of his most recent acclaimed album Beautifully All Over the Place.
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire conversation with Eric Roberson below:
