Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
The television series “Legends of Jazz” will be back on PBS for another season next spring, host Ramsey Lewis told DownBeat Thursday.
The show, which made history in its April 2006 debut as the first jazz-based network TV series in more than 40 years, has picked up rave reviews from media critics and viewers alike.
“All the viewers were 99.99 percent in awe,” Lewis said. ” The only suggestion we got from viewers was that it was too short. Just as they were digging in, the show was over.” To rectify that, next year’s series will consist of six one-hour shows rather than 13 half-hour shows. Lewis and the production crew will tape the episodes this fall, and they are scheduled to air in the spring of 2008.
“A year later, I can look back now and have 20/20 vision that clearly tells me we’re on the right track, that the excitement that we had on the show that I shared with the musicians was real,” Lewis said. “Everybody is happy with what happened, and we’re just moving forward.”
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
