BIOGRAPHY
Margaret Murphy-Webb is a Chicago based jazz musician, educator, producer and arts agitator. A graduate of Chicago State University, this award-winning international performer has been showcasing her talent in the Chicago area for over thirty years. In order to refine her jazz chops, Margaret began attending the Tuesday night jam sessions run by Chicago tenor saxophone great Von Freeman and under his tutelage developed her unique vocal style and showmanship.
Working as a bandleader, Margaret was nicknamed the “Queen of 75th Street” as she began performing in the many jazz clubs located on the famous strip between Cottage Grove and State Street. She has toured England, Germany, France, the continental US as vocalist for Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, performed for both Presidents Obama and Clinton and in 2023 joined Chico Freeman in a 100th birthday tribute to Von Freeman at the Chicago Jazz Festival.
In 2018, Margaret was named Chicago’s Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists of America for her work as Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, The South Side Jazz Coalition.
Margaret was a co-chair for the Year of Chicago Music 2020-21 initiative sponsored by DCASE and in January 2020, she was appointed to the City of Chicago Cultural Council.
Margaret is a member of the Goldin Institute Chicago Peace Fellows, an international group dedicated to community activism and service to under-served communities.
In 2024, Margaret will release her fourth recording, an EP tribute to the great Afro-British vocalist/composer, Dame Cleo Laine. Stay Tuned!
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