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…
Songwriters wishing to enter this year’s International Songwriting Competition only have until September 15 to send in their compositions.
Professional and amateur bands, solo artists and songwriters from all over the world are eligible to win in any of the 13 categories: Jazz, Blues, Pop/Top 40, Rock, Country, Roots/Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, World, Gospel/Christian, Dance/Electronica, Lyrics Only and a special Teen category for songwriters 18 years old and younger.
The ISC offers over $100,000 in prizes and the chance to get your music heard by high-profile judges from the music industry including B.B. King, Pat Metheny, Bruce Lundvall, Guru and *NSYNC. Submissions are judged on the basis of creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and composition.
Promoting excellence in the field of songwriting, the ISC is, according to the New York Times, “thesongwriting competition to take note of.”
For more information, go to www.songwritingcompetition.com
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.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
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Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
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…
