Claflin Alumnus Awarded the Order of the Palmetto
Jan 22, 2017
South Carolina jazz legend Skipp "Pops" Pearson, '74, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto on Saturday, January 14 in a ceremony at the Darla Moore School of Business. The Orangeburg native's career in music spans over 65 years and includes collaborations with legends like Sam Cooke, Jimmy Heath, Art Pepper, Otis Redding, Drink Small, Doc Severinsen, Wynton Marsalis and many, many more. He was named the Ambassador of Jazz Music by the South Carolina Senate and House.
The Order of the Palmetto is the state's highest civilian honor, and is awarded to citizens for "extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance."
Pearson started The Skipp Pearson Jazz Foundation to preserve live jazz and provide opportunities for young people to learn and share. This award comes as Pearson is courageously battling Stage IV bone cancer. He continues to perform and to mentor up-and-coming players as he always has, despite his illness.