Charles Lloyd Sweeps the 72nd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll

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Charles Lloyd, seen here at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, makes DownBeat Poll history!

(Photo: Douglas Mason)

The incomparable Charles Lloyd swept the 72nd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll, becoming the first artist ever to earn honors for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Tenor Saxophonist of the Year as well as be voted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame. At 87, Lloyd remains at the top of his artistic game.

The critics also named Immanuel Wilkins, who’s 26, the Jazz Group of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year. James Brandon Lewis was named Rising Star Artist of the Year and Rising Star Composer of the Year.

All of that, plus more than 90 critics’ picks for top albums. Just click HERE to check out all the great artists and albums listed in this year’s poll!

Click the image to see Charles Lloyd’s Historic Critics Poll Honors and much more!



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