Roger Glenn Brings Latin Jazz to Life

Roger Glenn brings Latin Jazz alive from Montreux Switzerland to Berkeley California with his masterful performance of flute, saxophone, clarinet, oboe and Latin hand percussion instruments.

Tyree Glenn was a trombonist and vibraphonist with Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington as well as working alongside Mongo Santamaria and Cal Tjader.

Early Life and Education

Roger Glenn is a master flute, sax, clarinet, and vibraphone player – his son Tyree Glenn (trombone and vibes, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong) is one of the greatest trombonists ever. Roger has performed all over the world alongside icons like Mary Lou Williams, Mongo Santamaria, Donald Byrd (Dizzy Gillespie’s nephew), Cal Tjader and Rosemary Clooney. On Saturday at Pacifica Performances Mildred Owen Concert Hall along with Ray Obiedo Karty (Ray Obiedo’s quartet), Bob Karty and Phil Thompson.

He holds degrees in math and physics, yet never lost his passion for music. Among his many endeavors was serving in Grover Washington Jr.’s Army band at Fort Dix and touring New Zealand and Australia playing baritone sax with the Count Basie Orchestra.

Professional Career

Glenn has performed around the globe as an accomplished master flute, saxophone, vibraphone and clarinet player, known for his mastery on various instruments including flute, saxophone, vibraphone and clarinet. Known for his versatile style and playing alongside such jazz and Latin music greats as Mary Lou Williams, Mongo Santamaria, Herbie Mann Dizzy Gillespie Cal Tjader (who invited Glenn to perform flute on his Grammy award-winning album La Onda Va Bien).

Roger Glenn leads his own jazz band called the Roger Glenn Latin Jazz Ensemble and recently released an original compositions CD. This band includes him on vibraphone, flute and saxophone as well as various Latin hand percussion instruments; Ray Obiedo on guitar, Bob Karty on piano and Phil Thompson on drums are part of this ensemble; they will perform at Pacifica Performances Mildred Owen Theater this Saturday for one performance only!

Achievement and Honors

In 1998, Glenn became the oldest and last surviving member of the Mercury Seven, when he flew on Space Shuttle Discovery. A noted pilot himself, Glenn received six Distinguished Flying Crosses and eighteen Air Medals during his distinguished flying career.

Glenn is also an accomplished musician, playing flute and vibes. He has collaborated with jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Mongo Santamaria, Herbie Mann and Cal Tjader during performances and recordings.

He currently has several projects underway, such as an album featuring his original compositions. Additionally, he performs with other musicians such as jazz guitarist Tony Corman and bassist/composer Daniel Cordova in Morechestra band. Furthermore, he serves on the California Jazz Conservatory board while volunteering as Civil Air Patrol volunteer pilot and amateur astronomer.

Personal Life

Glenn Garrett was a devoted husband and father. His music brought great joy into many people’s lives; his warmth and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Always generous with helping those in need, Glenn is survived by his wife Ellen F. Garrett as well as Ashley, Connor, Emily and Brennan from his first marriage as well as Maureen Power and Jack Garrett who raised them as stepchildren; grandchildren including great-grandchildren as well as his fur baby Chi Chi.

Roger Glenn is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest flute and vibes players, having performed alongside such jazz icons as Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Rosemary Clooney, Mongo Santamaria and Cal Tjader.

Net Worth

Glenn is an extraordinary musician who excels at playing saxophone, flute, vibes, clarinet and Latin hand percussion instruments. His performances can be found all around the world and is well regarded.

Glenn has an estimated net worth of over $1 Million. His father Tyree Glenn played trombone and vibraphone with Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington; leaving his instruments next to Roger’s crib gave him early exposure to music.

As of 2022-12-21, Mr Glenn has made five insider trades totaling more than $139,796 through Coupa Software Inc valued at over that sum, each one reported in Form 4 filings with the SEC and one being his recent sale of 289 units of COUP stock worth $22,8889 on 3 January 2023.