May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Terri Lyne Carrington, Artist of the Year
(Photo: Mark Sheldon)The Jazz Journalists Association announced its 2021 winners for its JJA Jazz Awards with drummer Terri Lyne Carrington being named its Artist of the Year and bassist Ron Carter receiving the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Maria Schneider received three awards for Record of the Year with Data Lords, as well as Composer and Arranger of the Year honors. Thelonious Monk, Palo Alto, on Resonance Records, was named Historical Record of the Year. Resonance was also named Record Label of the Year. Pianist Emmet Cohen was named Up & Coming Musician of the Year.
The organization also delivers awards for achievement in jazz journalism with Kevin Whitehead, author and jazz critic for NPR’s Fresh Air and a contributor to DownBeat, receiving the Lifetime Achievement In Jazz Award. Ted Panken, another DownBeat contributor, received the Robert Palmer-Helen Oakley Dance Award for Excellence in Writing for 2020. WBGO DJ Gary Walker received the Marian McPartland-Willis Conover Award for Career Achievement in Broadcasting and Billie, directed by James Erskine, was named Documentary of the Year.
We are proud to note that DownBeat was named Publication of the Year.
For a complete list of honorees, click HERE. DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
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With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
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The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
