Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
On Nov. 17, the Mississippi Blues Commission will place a historic marker at the site of Trumpet Records in Jackson, Miss. The label, owned and operated by Lillian and Willard McMurry, recorded and released albums by Elmore James, Sonny Boy Williamson, Arthur Crudup and Big Joe Willliams. The McMurrys, both of whom are in the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame, started the label from their retail store, the Record Mart, in 1950.
Trumpet Records was the first record company in Mississippi to achieve national stature through its distribution, sales, radio airplay and promotion.
The marker will become part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, a project of more than 100 markers and interpretative sties located throughout the state. Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the markers highlight notable sites, chosen by a panel of historians and blues scholars, that document the rich history of blues music in Mississippi.
More info: WebbWilder.com
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
