May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Dies at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Nancy Wilson (1937–2018)
(Photo: Gideon Lewin/Columbia/DownBeat Archives)Jazz and r&b vocalist Nancy Wilson has died, according to a statement from her manager. Devra Hall Levy told the Associated Press that Wilson died peacefully at her home on Dec. 13 in Pioneertown, California, following a long illness. Wilson was 81.
Among her accolades were three Grammy awards and a NEA Jazz Masters fellowship in 2004.
Wilson won a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for her 2006 album Turned To Blue. She won a Grammy in the same category a couple of years earlier, for her 2004 album R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal). Additionally, she won a Grammy for “How Glad I Am,” a single and the title track from a 1964 LP (Best Rhythm & Blues Recording).
Other titles in her discography include a 1961 studio album with saxophonist Cannonball Adderly, simply titled Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley; collaborations with pianist Ramsey Lewis, including Simple Pleasures (2003) and Meant To Be (2002); Love, Nancy (1994); What’s New (1982); Kaleidoscope (1971); Today—My Way (1965); and her 1960 debut, Like In Love.
Wilson was active in the civil rights movement and was among the participants in the 1965 Selma, Alabama, march. She was the recipient of a NAACP Image Award in 1998.
She also was an actress who appeared on several TV shows, and a radio broadcaster who hosted the NPR show Jazz Profiles.
Wilson was born on Feb. 20, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio. She earned honorary degrees from Berklee School of Music and Central State University in Ohio.
DownBeat has posted a cover story on Wilson from the Nov. 19, 1964, issue. 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…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
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…
