Famed saxophonist Charles McPherson was born right here in Joplin, Missouri in 1939. An internationally acclaimed Jazz artist, McPherson has stayed true to his Be Pop roots while expanding his horizons to heavily contribute to the international Jazz scene. McPherson performs to this day and has received many accolades including an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from California State University San Marcos throughout his career spanning over six decades. He remains a force of nature.