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“If jazz means anything, it is freedom of expression.” -Duke Ellington
No one in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington did. While a masterful and sensitive pianist, Ellington ultimately proved that his true instrument was the American Orchestra itself. Leading and anchoring his ever-evolving band for half a century, Ellington showed how the American Orchestra could achieve a perfect balance of music that was both shaped by the composer while also birthed on the spot by the musicians, while also creating art that swung relentlessly while also achieving the heights of emotional engagement. Each of his compositions—which began to number in the thousands—was crafted to bring out the finest talents of the extraordinary individuals who traveled the road with him, and indeed the Duke Ellington Orchestra developed one of the most unique and instantly recognizable musical thumbprints of any ensemble.
A masterful composer of pop melodies, a keen orchestrator, and an endless innovator, Ellington also saw the potential of the American Orchestra to tackle longer-form compositions. In works like Black, Brown, and Beige; the Deep South Suite; the New Orleans Suite; the Sacred Concerts; and more; Ellington offered up a vision of expressive potential in the music and a clarion call to artists to explore further possibilities. In doing so, he rose to become America’s greatest composer.
Ellington defied categories, and steadfastly refused to conform to any preconception of what he or his music should do. Indeed, one of his greatest compliments was to describe an artist as “beyond category.” It is difficult to think of an artist who embodied that more fully and perfectly than Ellington did.
Photo by William P. Gottlieb, courtesy Library of Congress
Ornette Coleman left an incredible recorded legacy, many of them genre-changing masterpieces.
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.
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.