Roger Pemberton, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, came to the University of South Carolina in 1986. He is a graduate of Indiana University where he earned a Master of Music in Woodwinds, and where he served as the first instructor of saxophone and jazz composition. During his tenure at USC Mr. Pemberton taught jazz improvisation, saxophone and conducted big bands.

Mr. Pemberton recorded albums with many artists including Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, and Les Hooper. He also produced and recorded two jazz albums: Roger Pemberton "CHICAGOJAZZ" and "Carolina Love Moods". Pemberton served as an arranger and studio musician for the Merv Griffin television show in New York City. His arrangements and compositions have been published by Studio P/ R, Hal Leonard, William Allen Music and UNC Jazz Press (Greeley, CO). He wrote many arrangements for the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Atlantic Jazz Orchestra. Pemberton was inducted into the South Carolina State University Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Music at Newberry College. A clinician/ soloist for CG. Cann, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana, Pemberton served as musical director of the Atlantic Jazz Orchestra and the Columbia Area Community Jazz Band.

Mr. Pemberton retired from USC in 2000.