Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
(Photo: DownBeat Archives/Atlantic Records)
Ndugu Chancler (1952-2018)
(Photo: Suzette Niess)
Eddy Clearwater (1935-2018)
(Photo: Courtesy of the Artist)
Bob Dorough (1923–2018)
(Photo: Courtesy bobdorough.com)
Roy Hargrove (1969–2018)
(Photo: Mark Sheldon)
Hugh Masekela (1939-2018)
(Photo: DownBeat Archives)
Otis Rush (1935–2018)
(Photo: Kirk West/DownBeat Archives)
Tomasz Stańko (1942-2018)
(Photo: Andrzej Tyszko)
Cecil Taylor (1929-2018)
(Photo: Hyou Vielz)
Randy Weston (1926-2018)
(Photo: Udo Salters)
Nancy Wilson (1937–2018)
(Photo: DownBeat Archives)From jazz trumpeters and blues guitarists to genre-defining soul singers and avant-garde soothsayers, DownBeat presents a look back at some of the talented performers who passed away during 2018. DB
• Eddie C. Campbell (1939–2018)
• Ndugu Chancler (1952-2018)
• Eddy Clearwater (1935-2018)
• Bob Dorough (1923–2018)
• Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
• Roy Hargrove (1969–2018)
• Hugh Masekela (1939-2018)
• Randy Weston (1926-2018)
• Nancy Wilson (1937–2018)
• Otis Rush (1935-2018)
• Tomasz Stańko (1942-2018)
• Cecil Taylor (1929-2018)
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
