Sherman Irby was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  He found his calling to music at age 12. In high school, he played and recorded with gospel immortal James Cleveland

. He graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a B. A. in Music Education. In 1991, he joined Johnny O’Neal’s Atlanta-based quintet. In 1994, he moved to New York City, then recorded his first two albums, Full Circle (1996) and Big Mama’s Biscuits (1998), on Blue Note. Mr. Irby toured the U.S. and the Caribbean with the Boys Choir of Harlem in 1995, and was a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra from 1995 to 1997. During that tenure, he also recorded and toured with Marcus Roberts

Marcus Roberts

Marcus Roberts is an American jazz pianist who has achieved fame as a stride pianist committed to celebrating classic standards and jazz traditions. Roberts has also distinguished his solos by accompanying himself with walking basslines...

 and was part of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program and Roy Hargrove. After a four year stint with Roy Hargrove

Roy Hargrove

Roy Anthony Hargrove is an American jazz trumpeter. He won worldwide notice after winning two Grammy Awards for differing types of music, in 1997, and in 2002...

, Mr. Irby focused on his own group, in addition to being a member of of Elvin Jones’ ensemble and Papo Vazquez’s Pirates Troubadours. Since 2003, Mr. Irby has been the regional director for JazzMasters Workshop, mentoring young children, and a board member for the CubaNOLA Collective. Mr. Irby formed Black Warrior Records and released Black Warrior, Faith, Organ Starter and Live at the Otto Club under the new label.