Recipients of the: Legacy Award in Music Education

Henry Pugh, Jr. earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's of Music degree both from Alabama State University (ASU).

At ASU Pugh worked under several music professors, including Drs. L. Hayes, O. Simmons, R. Simpson and T. Belyeu. Pugh also worked under Ms. A. Lyle, Mr. J. Romaine, Mr. J. Duncan, and Mrs. Hazel Harrison.

Pugh has taught music in Alabama at the high school and college levels. He taught at St. Academy in Troy, Alabama. He also taught at J.D. Thompson High School in Cottage Grove, Alabama. Pugh was recognized as the Teacher of the Year at Thompson High in 1967. Pugh has also taught at Selma University (AL) where he was awarded Outstanding Musician of the Year in 1973

The list of Pugh's professional experience is as long as it is impressive. Among his list of credits, Pugh played back-up for B.B. King, Roy Hamilton, Otis Redding, the Ink Spots, Tommy Shaw, and O.V. Wright. Pugh organized "Sheiks Band" with all ASU alumni talent. This group headlined for Little Richard, Solomon Burke, The Temptations, Ted Taylor, and Johnny Ace among others. Pugh has also performed at the Davis Theatre with the ASU Jazz Extravaganza, including performances with Erskine Hawkins and Wynton Marsalis. Pugh has also performed with Nick LaTour (son of E.D. Nixon), Spirit of the Wind, and he performed in the movie Long Walk Home.

Pugh was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.