The Life and Legacy of Carl Murphy

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 of 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' or Uncle Plic' throughout his childhood and adult years, 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 to learning these musical skills from his mother, Corrie, 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 Western Pennsylvania in his time. Upon graduating from Langley High School in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1955, Carl joined the U.S. Army, where he would put these homegrown musical skills to good use in performing as a member of the U.S. Army band while stationed in Paris, France. While there, he performed in venues throughout Europe during his four years of active duty. Upon returning home from Europe in 1959, he met the love of his life, Thelma Daniels. Marriage immediately ensued, along with the later birth of their only child and son, the late Rashid Murphy Soundiata, 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's Work

Upon completion of his military duties, 'Plic' would find 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 would come when his brother Robert 'Ham' Murphy needed a drummer to fill in for him when he and his band were performing at a downtown Pittsburgh hotel/entertainment venue. It was this opportunity that opened the door for Carl Murphy to become one of the household names of the African American musical scene in the Pittsburgh area over the past decades. His band would go on to later play under the name The 4 most Authority' and be seen performing at many Pittsburgh night spots, including Walt Harper's Attic, The Crescendo Lounge, the Crawford Grill, the Nite Cap East, and the Hurricane Lounge, to name a few. He would also go on to play with some of the most known and talented musicians in Pittsburgh, including: Roger Humphries, Tim Stevens, John Squirrel Mosley, Bashir Ansari, Nelson Harrison, Petey Henderson, Wendell Byrd, Gene Ludwig, 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 8-PEP'S annual Jazz extravaganza held in October of this year.

His Favorite Things

Carl 'Plic' Murphy loved camaraderie with friends, family, fellow musicians, and acquaintances. He made the name Plic for all of those who have had the pleasure to know him, become a new name for Cool. 'Uncle Plic' was sure to be seen at all of his family's reunions, going all the way back to the 1970s, with his beaming smile and spirit, dressed to the max and performing with his band at many of these family events. He was also always sure to be seen at all of his local musicians' union and Pittsburgh Jazz Society gatherings, of which he was a member. He loved conversing on a day-to-day basis with his late son Rashid about the happenings in politics, sports, and music. Conversations centered around African American life in America. He especially enjoyed his retirement musical sessions and get-togethers with elder Judge Warren Watson, an accomplished pianist and lifelong music comrade and friend of over 60 years. His love for Music was varied and eclectic, covering a wide range of musical genres including Jazz, Rock, Rythm and blues, and hip hop. Some of his favorite artists being Charlie Parker, Nat King Cole, Phylis Hyman, and Gil Scott Herron. Carl 'Plic' Murphy was a man who loved and was loved 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. Music that soothed the soul and provided healing over the decades to those hardworking people in Western Pennsylvania. He will be greatly missed. May God rest his soul in PEACE.

Carl departed this life on November 6, 2025, at his Bellefield St. Apartment in Pittsburgh, PA. He was preceded in death by both parents, 11 siblings, his wife Thelma Murphy, son Rashid Murphy Soundiata, and grandson Dwayne Wallace, II. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, Daughter, Kim Jackson (Dwight) of Baltimore, Maryland; granddaughter, Nicole Wiley (Gary) of Baltimore, Maryland; great-grandchildren, Jacobi and Madison Conway, Zacheriyah and Anayah Wiley, all of Baltimore, Maryland; Loving family, Eddie and Wuanna Murphy of Chicago, Illinois, Perry Harper, Lois and Harold Gaines of Seattle, Washington. Vasco Stanley Harper, Laval Murphy, and Diane Murphy of McKeesport, PA, Larry Murphy, Hasan and Craig Murphy of Duquesne, PA, Joeanne Stoutemire of Clairton, PA, Nathan Stoutemire of Wheeling, West Virginia, Phillip Willians of Pittsburgh, PA, Marion Thompson of Detroit, Michigan; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.