Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
Wayne Shorter, Kris Davis and Danilo Peréz
(Photo: Courtesy Doris Duke Award)Saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Kris Davis and pianist Danilo Peréz have each received the 2021 Doris Duke Artist Award, with a prize of $275,000 intended as an investment in their artistic potentials and a celebration of their ongoing contributions to jazz.
The prize consists of $250,000 in completely unrestricted funding and an additional $25,000 dedicated to encouraging savings for retirement. Rather than being tied to specific projects, these awards are available to recipients to use in the manner they determine will best support their ability to create and thrive, according to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
“Art is the antidote to crisis,” said Sam Gill, president and CEO of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. “These exemplary artists demonstrate that a time of unprecedented disruption in the arts and across society cannot stifle the power of great art to persevere. We are proud to support these outstanding creators and accelerate their phenomenal contributions to society.”
The Doris Duke Artist Awards are the largest national awards offered in the performing arts and are targeted to the fields of jazz, contemporary dance and theater. Since it began in 2012, the program has delivered more than $35.4 million in funding to 129 artists. A variety of jazz musicians have benefitted from the prize, including last year’s recipients Andrew Cyrille and Cécile McLorin Salvant; 2019 recipients Terri Lyne Carrington and George Lewis; and 2018 recipients Dee Dee Bridgewater, Regina Carter and Stefon Harris. DB
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
