Linda May Han Oh, Ahmad Jamal, DownBeat Recognized by Jazz Journalists Association

  I  
Image

Bassist Linda May Han Oh earned honors in two categories in the 24th annual Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards.

(Photo: Shervin Lainez)

Bassist Linda May Han Oh, pianist Ahmad Jamal and DownBeat magazine are among the honorees of the 24th annual Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards, according to a Wednesday announcement by the organization.

Jamal was given the Lifetime Achievement in Jazz, while Oh earned the top spot in the categories Up and Coming Musician of the Year and Bassist of the Year. Wayne Shorter won in Jazz Musician and Composer of the Year categories.

No event or ceremony has been scheduled to distribute the awards this year. According to the announcement, “winners will receive their awards during performances or other public events this summer.”

In April, JJA announced its Jazz Heroes, 22 people based in various cities across the country who contribute to their local scenes. That list can be found here.

For a complete list of winners, visit the JJA website. DB



  • Rodney_Holmes_Courtesy_Meinl.jpg

    A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.

  • DB26_Critics_Poll_Montage.jpg

    Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.

  • Cassandra_Wilson_%40_2026_Mark_Sheldon-2_copy_2.jpg

    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.

  • Pritesh_Walia_courtesy_Pritesh_Walia.jpg

    “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.

  • Poncho.jpeg

    ​Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.