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”’Herb Partlow”’ (born July 23, 1961) is an American music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, and businessman based in [[Charleston, South Carolina]].<ref name=”CharlestonCityPaper”>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Vincent |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Herb Partlow has built a successful smooth-jazz career right under our noses |url=https://charlestoncitypaper.com/herb-partlow-has-built-a-successful-smooth-jazz-career-right-under-our-noses/ |work=Charleston City Paper}}</ref> His single ”Paradigm Shift,” from the album ”Next Level,” reached No. 3 on the SmoothJazz.com chart in January 2021.<ref name=”CharlestonCityPaper” /> His work has been profiled by the ”[[Charleston City Paper]]”, and ”[[SoulTracks]]” has reviewed several of his recordings, including ”Jazz Theory” (2014),<ref name=”ST2014″>{{cite web |date=27 May 2014 |title=First Listen: Herb Partlow – “Jazz Theory” |url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-herb-partlow-jazz-theory |access-date=2 September 2025 |website=SoulTracks}}</ref> ”Next Level” (2020),<ref name=”ST2020″>{{cite web |date=15 July 2020 |title=First Listen: Herb Partlow – “Next Level” |url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-herb-partlow-next-level |access-date=2 September 2025 |website=SoulTracks}}</ref> and ”Ride or Die” (2023).<ref name=”ST2023″>{{cite web |date=12 May 2023 |title=First Listen: Herb Partlow feat. Tora Woloshin – “Ride or Die” |url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-herb-partlow-ride-or-die |access-date=2 September 2025 |website=SoulTracks}}</ref>

”’Herb Partlow”’ (born July 23, 1961) is an American music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, and businessman based in [[Charleston, South Carolina]].<ref name=”CharlestonCityPaper”>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Vincent |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Herb Partlow has built a successful smooth-jazz career right under our noses |url=https://charlestoncitypaper.com/herb-partlow-has-built-a-successful-smooth-jazz-career-right-under-our-noses/ |work=Charleston City Paper}}</ref> His single ” ,” reached No. on the SmoothJazz.com chart in .<ref name=”CharlestonCityPaper” /> His work has been profiled by the ”[[Charleston City Paper]]”, and ”[[SoulTracks]]” has reviewed several of his recordings, including ”Jazz Theory” (2014),<ref name=”ST2014″>{{cite web |date=27 May 2014 |title=First Listen: Herb Partlow – “Jazz Theory” |url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-herb-partlow-jazz-theory |access-date=2 September 2025 |website=SoulTracks}}</ref> ”Next Level” (2020),<ref name=”ST2020″>{{cite web |date=15 July 2020 |title=First Listen: Herb Partlow – “Next Level” |url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-herb-partlow-next-level |access-date=2 September 2025 |website=SoulTracks}}</ref> and ”Ride or Die” (2023).<ref name=”ST2023″>{{cite web |date=12 May 2023 |title=First Listen: Herb Partlow feat. Tora Woloshin – “Ride or Die” |url=https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-herb-partlow-ride-or-die |access-date=2 September 2025 |website=SoulTracks}}</ref>

Partlow’s song “”Jazz Theory”” has appeared frequently on JazzBites Contemporary Radio’s ([[London|London, UK]]) “Top 10″ list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JazzBites Radio Contemporary |url=https://onlineradiobox.com/us/jazzbitescontemporary/ |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=OnlineRadioBox.com |language=en}}</ref> According to JazzBites Contemporary Radio and OnlineRadioBox.com playlists, his recordings have been broadcast on radio stations in North America, Europe, and Latin America.<ref name=”:0″>{{cite web |title=Herb Partlow – TOP songs playing now on the radio |url=https://onlineradiobox.com/artist/375677211-herb-partlow |website=OnlineRadioBox.com |access-date=August 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SmoothJazz.COM: Playlist Archive – 12.07.2019 |url=https://www.oles.tv/smoothjazz/playlist/2019-07-12/?play=06:08:07 |access-date=September 1, 2025 |website=Oles.TV}}</ref>

Partlow’s song “”Jazz Theory”” has appeared frequently on JazzBites Contemporary Radio’s ([[London|London, UK]]) “Top 10″ list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JazzBites Radio Contemporary |url=https://onlineradiobox.com/us/jazzbitescontemporary/ |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=OnlineRadioBox.com |language=en}}</ref> According to JazzBites Contemporary Radio and OnlineRadioBox.com playlists, his recordings have been broadcast on radio stations in North America, Europe, and Latin America.<ref name=”:0″>{{cite web |title=Herb Partlow – TOP songs playing now on the radio |url=https://onlineradiobox.com/artist/375677211-herb-partlow |website=OnlineRadioBox.com |access-date=August 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SmoothJazz.COM: Playlist Archive – 12.07.2019 |url=https://www.oles.tv/smoothjazz/playlist/2019-07-12/?play=06:08:07 |access-date=September 1, 2025 |website=Oles.TV}}</ref>

Partlow has worked in multiple roles in the [[music industry]]. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was an on-air radio personality (”Superb Herb”) at [[KUCR]] 88.1FM with the popular “”Soul on Sunday””<ref name=”:10″>{{Cite news |last=KUCR |first=Riverside |date=September 3, 2025 |title=Soul on Sunday (88.1FM) |url=https://superbmuzic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Soul-on-Sunday.pdf |work=KUCR 88.1 FM}}</ref> broadcasts in [[Riverside, California|Riverside, CA]] as a member of the original S.O.S. Crew. In the early 1980s, Partlow began recording rap music. He, along with fellow KUCR DJ Kin Harris (”The UnDisco Kidd”) recorded a [[rap song]] (”Hieroglyphics Rap”) about the S.O.S. Crew and the City of Riverside in 1981 which was a heavily requested song.

Partlow has worked in multiple roles in the [[music industry]]. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was an on-air radio personality (”Superb Herb”) at [[KUCR]] 88.1FM with the popular “”Soul on Sunday””<ref name=”:10″>{{Cite news |last=KUCR |first=Riverside |date=September 3, 2025 |title=Soul on Sunday (88.1FM) |url=https://superbmuzic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Soul-on-Sunday.pdf |work=KUCR 88.1 FM}}</ref> broadcasts in [[Riverside, California|Riverside, CA]] as a member of the original S.O.S. Crew. In the early 1980s, Partlow began recording rap music. He, along with fellow KUCR DJ Kin Harris (”The UnDisco Kidd”) recorded a [[rap song]] (”Hieroglyphics Rap”) about the S.O.S. Crew and the City of Riverside in 1981 which was a heavily requested song.

American music producer, smooth jazz musician, and civic leader

Herb Partlow
Also known as Superb Herb
Born

Herbert F. Partlow

(1961-07-23) July 23, 1961 (age 64)
Origin San Francisco, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations Producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, businessman
Instruments Keyboards, piano, bass guitar, string arrangements, drum programming
Years active 1980s–present
Labels Superb Muzic
Website https://herbpartlow.com

Musical artist

Herb Partlow (born July 23, 1961) is an American music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, and businessman based in Charleston, South Carolina.[1] His latest single City Lights, reached No. 1 on the SmoothJazz.com chart in February 2026.[1] His work has been profiled by the Charleston City Paper, and SoulTracks has reviewed several of his recordings, including Jazz Theory (2014),[2] Next Level (2020),[3] and Ride or Die (2023).[4]

Partlow’s song “Jazz Theory” has appeared frequently on JazzBites Contemporary Radio’s (London, UK) “Top 10” list.[5] According to JazzBites Contemporary Radio and OnlineRadioBox.com playlists, his recordings have been broadcast on radio stations in North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan, and Latin America.[6][7]

Partlow has worked in multiple roles in the music industry. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was an on-air radio personality (Superb Herb) at KUCR 88.1FM with the popular “Soul on Sunday“[8] broadcasts in Riverside, CA as a member of the original S.O.S. Crew. In the early 1980s, Partlow began recording rap music. He, along with fellow KUCR DJ Kin Harris (The UnDisco Kidd) recorded a rap song (Hieroglyphics Rap) about the S.O.S. Crew and the City of Riverside in 1981 which was a heavily requested song.

Partlow and Harris were early west coast rap pioneers. The “Hieroglyphics Rap” influenced future hip-hop artists from the area, including Brother Marquis (2 Live Crew), and Rodney-O (Rodney-O and Joe Cooley) when they were in Jr. High and High School living in Rubidoux, CA, a small community just outside of Riverside. Brother Marquis and Rodney-O were part of a local group called “The Caution Crew” formed in 1983, and Superb Herb and the other DJs would spin their singles on the radio at KUCR in the Inland Empire.[9]

In the mid 1980s, Partlow recorded hip-hop material released through Macola Records (Hollywood, CA) and later moved into production and engineering.[1] Prior to his full-time music career, Partlow worked in corporate and professional roles in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 2007, Partlow founded the label Superb Muzic. Partlow has released jazz and funk-oriented projects since the early 2010s, including the EP Urban Jazz (2011), Digital Future (2015),[10] the Future Jazz EP (2018),[11] Next Level (2020), and Next Level 2025 (2025), a remastered reissue of the original with an additional bonus Track.[12]

Outside of music, Partlow has held civic leadership positions in Charleston. He served as chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing authority of the City of Charleston,[13] and has been a board member of the YMCA of Greater Charleston and the Roper St. Francis Foundation.[14]

Partlow has worked in the music industry since the early 1980s.[1] His work incorporates elements of contemporary jazz, funk, and hip hop. In 2021, the Charleston City Paper wrote that “Herb Partlow was indie before indie was cool,” and referenced the chart placement of “Paradigm Shift” on smoothjazz.com.[1]

During the 1990s, Partlow was a producer and co-producer on several independent projects in the Bay Area. In 1995, he produced 2 songs on the Do or Die album titled, “Falling In Love With The Game.“[15] Partlow was one of two producers (Freddie White) on the album titled, “The Funky Overthrow” by G-Lo, released in 1997 by Taipan Records.[16] In 1998, he produced one song (Light My Fire) on the debut album from Angel Sessions titled, “Introducing Angel” on the Pittmobile label.[17]

Herb Partlow – Studio H2o

He has been featured in music publications over the course of his career. He was part of a Billboard magazine article dated February 1, 2003 titled “In Bay Area, R&B/Hip-Hop Scene Ready For Resurgence.” As a Bay Area music producer, Partlow was included alongside other Bay Area artists and producers.[18] He was interviewed by Gail Mitchell for the article, which profiled the Bay Area “indie music” scene.

The Jazz in M.E.E. magazine published an article in October 2013[19] in which Partlow was quoted about changes in the industry, and a 2015 ‘Tip Jar’ article included his comments on mixing and mastering.[20] In 2022, Partlow was interviewed on Quintin’s Close-Ups to discuss his journey in the music business.[21]

SoulTracks reviewed several of his singles as part of their “First Listen” series, including Jazz Theory in 2014, which featured soprano saxophonist J. L. P.[22] In April 2020, SoulTracks reviewed the title track from Next Level,[23] and in June 2023, the outlet reviewed his funk single Ride or Die featuring X Factor USA finalist Tora Woloshin.[24]

Corporate and professional work

[edit]

Before returning to Charleston in 2013, Partlow had a career in the corporate sector in the San Francisco Bay Area. He worked for firms such as KPMG, Arthur Andersen, and Deloitte, and held positions at Bank of America, the Federal Reserve Bank, and LECG over a 30-year career.[25] In 2013, he returned to Charleston and established H. F. Partlow Web Development, LLC. He currently serves as the Public Relations Director and Webmaster for BDG-CPAs, with offices in New York City and Charleston.[26]

1986–1993: KPMG & Arthur Andersen

Partlow was the Audit Staffing Manager at KPMG and Arthur Andersen. In that role, he managed client engagement staffing for the Audit department of the San Francisco Office. While working in the San Francisco office at KPMG, Partlow had the benefit of having direct exposure to future leaders of the firm in Jon Madonna (SF Office Managing Partner) who later served as chairman and CEO of KPMG International,[27] and Eugene O’Kelly (SF Office Partner) who later served as chairman and CEO of KPMG (U.S.).[28]

1993–1999: Bank of America

During his time at Bank of America, he was an Assistant Vice President and Communications Consultant working in the Office of the Chairman.[25] After BofA acquired Continental Bank of Illinois, he worked on the internal consulting team that led the Finance Division “Performance Improvement Project” (PIP) sponsored by the new Bank of America CFO, Mike O’Neil[29] who came over from Continental Bank as part of the merger.

1999–2002: Federal Reserve Bank

During his tenure at the Federal Reserve, he first worked on their ‘Y2K Project” as an analyst and webmaster. He designed and maintained the Y2K and the Information technology Planning & Standards Intranet web sites for the Federal Reserve System. After the century date change, Partlow worked in the Federal Reserve System’s Project Office in San Francisco as a project manager and team leader on the “FedLine for the Web” implementation project.[30]

2002–2005: Deloitte & Touche

He was a contractor and project analyst working in the Office of the vice-chairman at Deloitte & Touche. Partlow was a 1099 contractor in the office of the vice-chairman (Jack Russi) of the Northern Pacific & Hawaii region of Deloitte & Touche working on special projects.[25]

2005–2010: LECG

Partlow worked for the Law and Economics Consulting Group (LECG) as an HR Analyst and Senior Recruiter. After conducting a search for a new website manager, he decided to pursue the position and was hired as the new website manager/webmaster.[25] He worked on the development and subsequent launch of the firm’s new global web portal. The firm merged with SMART Business Advisory & Consulting in 2011,[31] and several practice groups were later acquired by FTI Consulting and Grant Thornton.[32] This was Partlow’s last corporate job.

Community and public service

[edit]

Partlow served as Chairman of the Charleston Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners,[33] and was covered in local news reports.[34][35][36] He also participated in a Quintin’s Close-Ups interview as board chair in 2024.[37]

He also served on the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater Charleston and the Roper St. Francis Foundation.[38]

Book Cover

H. F. Partlow is an American writer whose work focuses on political communication, public misinformation, and economic behavior. His first book, Dumb America: How Misinformation, Greed, and Tribalism Broke a Nation,[39] was independently published in November 2025. The book examines the influence of misinformation on American governance, economic decision-making, and public perceptions of policy.

Partlow’s writing draws on his professional background in corporate management, strategic planning, and economic analysis. His work typically explores the relationship between media narratives, political polarization, and market behavior, presenting arguments about how misinformation shapes civic engagement and public understanding in the United States.

Year Title Type Label
2011 Urban Jazz EP Superb Muzic
2015 Digital Future Album Superb Muzic[10]
2018 Future Jazz EP Superb Muzic[11]
2020 Next Level Album Superb Muzic[12]
2025 Next Level 2025 Album (remastered) Superb Muzic[40]
2025 Instrumental Beatz N’ Thangz EP Superb Muzic[41]
Year Single Notes
2015 Jazz Theory Featuring J. L. P.[22]
2018 Drop It! Featuring Allen Webb, Ricardo Love[42]
2018 Funky Jazz Featuring J. L. P.[43]
2018 Another Interlude Featuring J.L.P.[44]
2020 Paradigm Shift Featuring Ricardo Love, DeLon Charley[1][40]
2020 Next Level Featuring Ricardo Love, DeLon Charley[1][12]
2023 Artificial Intelligence Featuring Big Mack, Stico, Rajime, Jay AL[45]
2023 Ride or Die Featuring Tora Woloshin[4][46]
2023 Renaissance Man Featuring DeLon Charley[47]
2025 Money Moves Featuring Lil’ Jin & Lukas Swing[48][49]
2025 City Lights Release Date: 11.21.25[50][51]
2025 We Bringing It! Release Date: 12-12-25[52]
2025 Go Insane Featuring Kyra X[53]
2026 Drop It Like It’s Hot Release Date: January 9, 2026
2026 Uptown Girl Featuring Naia
2026 Don’t Be Afraid Release Date: February 6, 2026
2026 Midnight Sax Release Date: February 27, 2026
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Harris, Vincent (January 27, 2021). “Herb Partlow has built a successful smooth-jazz career right under our noses”. Charleston City Paper.
  2. ^ “First Listen: Herb Partlow – “Jazz Theory”“. SoulTracks. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  3. ^ “First Listen: Herb Partlow – “Next Level”“. SoulTracks. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  4. ^ a b “First Listen: Herb Partlow feat. Tora Woloshin – “Ride or Die”“. SoulTracks. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  5. ^ “JazzBites Radio Contemporary”. OnlineRadioBox.com. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  6. ^ “Herb Partlow – TOP songs playing now on the radio”. OnlineRadioBox.com. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  7. ^ “SmoothJazz.COM: Playlist Archive – 12.07.2019”. Oles.TV. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  8. ^ KUCR, Riverside (September 3, 2025). “Soul on Sunday (88.1FM)” (PDF). KUCR 88.1 FM.
  9. ^ Radio (88.1FM) KUCR (September 25, 2025). “KUCR 1981 S.O.S. Rap (Hieroglyphics Rap)” (PDF). Google Search.
  10. ^ a b Digital Future by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2015-10-06, retrieved 2025-09-06
  11. ^ a b Future Jazz – Herb Partlow | Album | AllMusic, retrieved 2025-09-06
  12. ^ a b c Next Level 2025 by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2020-08-03, retrieved 2025-09-02
  13. ^ “Charleston Housing Authority names Herb Partlow chair”. Post and Courier.
  14. ^ “Community leadership appointments”.
  15. ^ “Do Or Die – Falling In Love With The Game: 1st Press. CD | Rap Music Guide”. www.rapmusicguide.com. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  16. ^ Records, Most Wanted. “CD: G-LO- THE FUNKY OVERTHROW 1997–2021 REISSUE (Oakland, CA)”. Most Wanted Records. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  17. ^ Angel Sessions – Introducing… Angel Sessions (in German), 1999-02-24, retrieved 2025-09-06
  18. ^ Mitchell, Gail (February 1, 2003). “In Bay Area, RiB/Hip-Hop Scene Ready For Resurgence” (PDF). Billboard Magazine.
  19. ^ “THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE Issue 4 October 2013”. Issuu. October 7, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  20. ^ “THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2015 Issue 12 TEASER”. Issuu. 2015-10-20. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  21. ^ Sinner, Holy City (2022-01-28). “Quintin’s Close-Ups: Herb Partlow”. Holy City Sinner. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  22. ^ a b “First Listen: Herb Partlow shares his “Jazz Theory” in hot new song”. SoulTracks. September 5, 2014. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  23. ^ “First Listen: Herb Partlow takes us to the “Next Level”“. SoulTracks. April 9, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  24. ^ “First Listen: Herb Partlow and Tora Woloshin are ready to “Ride Or Die”“. SoulTracks. June 21, 2023.
  25. ^ a b c d “Herb Partlow LinkedIn Profile”.
  26. ^ “Herb Partlow”. BDG-CPAs. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  27. ^ “KPMG Peat Marwick nominates top candidates – UPI Archives”. UPI. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  28. ^ Raine, George (September 14, 2005). “Eugene O’Kelly – chairman of KPMG made all feel vital”.
  29. ^ “BankAmerica to Acquire Continental Bank : Mergers: BofA’s parent agrees to pay $1.9 billion for Chicago institution. California customers are unlikely to be affected”. Los Angeles Times. 1994-01-29. Retrieved 2025-09-04.
  30. ^ Federal, Reserve (September 4, 2025). “FedLine Web®”. FRBservices.org.
  31. ^ “SMART, LECG Announce Merger”. propertycasualty360.com. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  32. ^ “FTI, Grant Thornton acquire LECG practice groups”. vault.com. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  33. ^ Partlow, Herbert F. (January 11, 2022). “Commentary: Charleston Housing Authority’s CEO and board are prepared to lead”. Post and Courier. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  34. ^ McBride, Molly (2023-12-28). “Housing Authority gives update on plan to redevelop, renovate all public housing”. Live 5 News. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  35. ^ “Charleston Housing Authority reconstructing and redeveloping public housing units”. WCBD News 2. 2024-01-04.
  36. ^ Partlow, Herb (June 28, 2024). “Letter In Support of Housing Authority Set-Aside” (PDF). S.C. Housing 2025 QAP Comments.
  37. ^ “Quintin’s Close-Ups: Herb Partlow”. Holy City Sinner. June 22, 2024.
  38. ^ Carolina, Allissa Young South. “Roper St. Francis Foundation launches fundraising campaign”. spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2025-09-04.
  39. ^ “New Book Dumb America by H. F. Partlow Dissects How Misinformation, Economic Distortion, and Partisan Tribalism Are Reshaping American Democracy – CB Herald”. 2025-12-04. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  40. ^ a b Next Level 2025 by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2020-08-03, retrieved 2025-09-06
  41. ^ Instrumental Beatz n’ thangz – EP by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2024-11-15, retrieved 2025-09-06
  42. ^ “Herb Partlow Musician”. All About Jazz. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  43. ^ “Raptz”. www.raptz.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  44. ^ Another Interlude by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2018-05-11, retrieved 2025-09-01
  45. ^ Artificial Intelligence (Club Mix) – Single [feat. Big Mack, Stico, Rajime & Jay Al] – Single by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2023-10-30, retrieved 2025-09-02
  46. ^ “Ride or Die – Single (feat. Tora Woloshin)”. Apple Music. May 8, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  47. ^ “Renaissance Man – Single (feat. Delon Charley)”. Apple Music. January 20, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  48. ^ “Money Moves (feat. Lil’ Jin & Lukas Swing)”. Apple Music. March 21, 2025. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  49. ^ “Herb Partlow drops an anthem of ambition with “Money Moves” feat. Lil’ Jin [Review]”. Zillions Magazine – Where Every Beat Counts. 2025-06-02. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  50. ^ City Lights – Single by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2025-11-21, retrieved 2025-12-03
  51. ^ Release, Press (2025-12-10). “Charleston’s Renaissance Man: Herb Partlow Showcases Versatility With New Book and New Music Release”. Holy City Sinner. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
  52. ^ We Bringing It! – Single by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2025-12-12, retrieved 2026-01-08
  53. ^ Go Insane (feat. Lyra X) – Single by Herb Partlow on Apple Music, 2025-12-26, retrieved 2026-01-08

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