In these trying times, we plan to continue entertaining, enriching, and expanding the global community for jazz through online education and our social platforms. Please consider supporting Jazz at Lincoln Center, at whatever level you can.
We are delighted to induct Tito Puente, Don Redman, and McCoy Tyner into the 2017 class of the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame! These three artists were chosen by public vote from a list of 10 nominees, who were in turn selected by Jazz at Lincoln Center’s nominating panel.
Tito Puente (1923-2000)
One of the most beloved musicians and entertainers in American history, percussionist, composer, and bandleader Tito Puente effortlessly fused instrumental virtuosity, rich musical innovation, and thrilling showmanship into a one-of-a-kind artistic vision for more than half a century. Hailed as the King of Mambo, Puente drew from diverse inspirations—including the music of idols like Machito, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, and Duke Ellington—to create some of the most influential Latin jazz recordings of the 20th century. A tireless bandleader, Puente also mentored budding musical talents, recruiting future innovators like Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Johnny Pacheco, and many others to his band. Puente recorded well over 100 albums, delighting audiences of all ages around the world and leaving behind a musical legacy that listeners, dancers, and players alike will absorb and love for generations to come.
Don Redman (1900-1964)
The big band as we know it would not exist without the genius of Don Redman. Though a tremendously proficient and versatile instrumentalist, Redman would ultimately make his lasting mark as a composer, arranger, and architect of the American jazz orchestra. While working under bandleader Fletcher Henderson, Redman developed the big band blueprints that would transform the dance orchestra into the swinging ensemble we know and love today, and he would set the ball rolling for a multi-decade stretch of growth and innovation that continues to this very day. At the height of his career, Redman led his own ensembles, constantly bringing a universe of new musical textures and ideas to the big band style. His composing and arranging talents can be heard in the work of many other orchestras, including those of Jimmy Dorsey and Count Basie.
McCoy Tyner (1938-)
Perhaps the most influential jazz pianist of the late 20th century, McCoy Tyner pioneered a forceful, swinging, and unmistakable piano voice that provided crucial harmonic texture to the legendary John Coltrane Quartet. Forging a unique sound that was driven by his powerful left hand, Tyner offered a harmonically open structure for Coltrane’s often modal improvisations and helped direct jazz's evolution during the early 1960s. As his solo career developed, Tyner began to lead his own highly influential groups while also composing new standards for jazz and nurturing new generations of rising masters. Still actively performing today, McCoy Tyner has shown that he never sits still and is always finding and seeking new possibilities for this music.
The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame induction celebrations take place at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola on July 18-20. Reserve today at jazz.org/dizzys or watch live each evening at 7:30 PM EDT at jazz.org/live.
Photo of the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame by Lawrence Sumulong for Jazz at Lincoln Center
New to jazz and don't know where to start? With many artists and extensive catalogues of music, a new jazz listener can feel intimidated. We're here to help! Check out our list of 10 albums to get you started on your jazz journey and introduce yourself to some of jazz's great artists.
Jazz at Lincoln Center announces Dexter Gordon, James P. Johnson, and Lennie Tristano as the 2015 inductees into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame (EJHF). After gaining the majority popular vote cast by jazz fans around the world, the newest EJHF class will be celebrated during curated sets on July 1-2, 2015 at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
Listen to the music of the President of Jazz: Lester "Pres" Young.
Jazz at Lincoln Center remembers the life and legacy of Chick Corea, a towering figure whose innovations spanned decades and genres.
Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, and Essentially Ellington alum Isaiah J. Thompson shares moments in #BlackExcellence that inspire him.
Wynton Marsalis performs Amazing Grace at Federal Hall on September 30, 2020 #DebateDefends
Wynton Marsalis breaks down his top ten cultural moments with a monthly listicle. This month, Wynton shares his top ten heroic cultural moments from Walk Whitman to Marvin Gaye.
Explore the music and legacy of Nina Simone, which speaks to her duality as a gifted artist and civil rights activist invoking the spirit of protest in her works.
Introducing a new Jazz at Lincoln Center series titled "Wynton's Top Ten," a monthly listicle curated by Wynton Marsalis. This month, Wynton shares his “Top Ten” picks for "Compelling Works on the Subject of Freedom" and his annotations behind each selection.
NYC's breadth of unique venues across town include legendary landmark locations, contemporary elegant lounges & no-frills bebop joints that provide a diverse community of swinging experiences.
We celebrate the history of South African jazz with these essential records.
Nobody in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington. Listen to our playlist of essential Ellington recordings and find out how he changed jazz forever.
Find out who the three 2018 inductees into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame are! All three made an indelible impact on America's music and influenced millions in the process.
Here's a list of 10 more must-have classics to round out your collection of jazz records.
Celebrate Thelonious Monk by getting to know the legend through his son’s memories.
Chick Corea is one of the most influential figures in jazz and one of the greatest living jazz pianists. Here are five essential albums from his discography.
Wynton Marsalis appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform with Jon Batiste, Stay Human, and acclaimed dancer Lil Buck. Check out video and behind-the-scenes content from their performance.
New to jazz and don't know where to start? With many artists and extensive catalogues of music, a new jazz listener can feel intimidated. We're here to help! Check out our list of 10 albums to get you started on your jazz journey and introduce yourself to some of jazz's great artists.
On December 7, 2014 the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra drove 8 hours on an off day to play for Clark Terry on his 94th birthday. Victor Goines, James Chirillo, Ted Nash, Vincent Gardner, and Walter Blanding recall the day and the impact that Clark had on jazz.
Listen to the music of the President of Jazz: Lester "Pres" Young.
Jazz at Lincoln Center remembers the life and legacy of Chick Corea, a towering figure whose innovations spanned decades and genres.
Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, and Essentially Ellington alum Isaiah J. Thompson shares moments in #BlackExcellence that inspire him.
Wynton Marsalis breaks down his top ten cultural moments with a monthly listicle. This month, Wynton shares his top ten heroic cultural moments from Walk Whitman to Marvin Gaye.
Introducing a new Jazz at Lincoln Center series titled "Wynton's Top Ten," a monthly listicle curated by Wynton Marsalis. This month, Wynton shares his “Top Ten” picks for "Compelling Works on the Subject of Freedom" and his annotations behind each selection.
Our education programs have gone online! Find out how you can join for free and learn more about jazz from our experts and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
NYC's breadth of unique venues across town include legendary landmark locations, contemporary elegant lounges & no-frills bebop joints that provide a diverse community of swinging experiences.
We celebrate the history of South African jazz with these essential records.
We sat down with Gerald Cannon ahead of his Memorial Day Weekend performances at Dizzy's.
Discover how growing up in the Bronx shaped Will Calhoun’s appreciation for art and how Elvin Jones inspired him to define his individuality.
Ornette Coleman led a life as fascinating as his music. Read up on some interesting facts about this jazz legend!
Before his passing in May, Joe Temperley spent 29 unforgettable years as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's baritone saxophonist and its beloved elder statesman. Between performances on their recent mini-tour of Canada, several JLCO members shared their memories of Temperley, who left behind an indelible legacy and a whole lot of stories.
April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so we thought we'd celebrate by delving into the careers of a handful of underappreciated jazz artists. Explore the careers of six musicians who deserve more accolades and learn the best places to start with their discographies.