BMI was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of incomparable jazz pianist/composer/arranger Ahmad Jamal, who died Sunday at age 92 at his home in Ashley Falls, MA. A hugely influential figure renowned for his nuanced playing, Jamal’s less-is-more style allowed for depth and understatement in his performances, allowing light… Read more...
BMI is proud to celebrate the legendary music from the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. Songs from the timeless TV classic have become a holiday staple for families around the world, and its lead composer, Vince Guaraldi, along with another BMI affiliate, Lee Mendelson, are responsible for composing… Read more...
BMI was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of GRAMMY-winning jazz musician Pharoah Sanders, who died on Saturday at the age of 81. A revered tenor saxophonist and pioneer of free jazz, Sanders found his initial renown exploring avant-garde jazz alongside John Coltrane in the mid-60s, as heard on… Read more...
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the 2023 recipients of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship with two BMI affiliates taking top accolades: Kenny Garrett and Louis Hayes. These fellowships are the highest honor bestowed upon musicians in the world of jazz and include an award of $25,000.… Read more...
BMI’s 33rd annual Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase, held at Dizzy’s Club in New York City on June 13, featured the best new big band and jazz orchestra compositions created in the workshop during the 2021-2022 season. The evening was hosted by Musical Director Andy Farber and Assistant Musical Director… Read more...
BMI was on hand recently, along with jazz trumpeter and BMI songwriter Kermit Ruffins, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in New Orleans. At the event, held in June at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, BMI honored LAB President & CEO Polly Johnson… Read more...
The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will present the best big band and jazz orchestra compositions produced throughout the year at its 33rd Summer Showcase Concert, with two sets held on June 13 at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM at Dizzy’s Club in New York City. Each seating will feature the… Read more...
Joe Lovano has spent his entire life as a student of jazz, and the majority as a teacher. The revered saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, a second-generation Sicilian American and son of tenor saxophonist Tony “Big T” Lovano, developed a love for jazz at a young age. Growing up in Cleveland, his… Read more...
BMI is saddened by the passing of cornetist, composer, and bandleader Ron Miles. Best known for his genuine, straight from the soul delivery, Miles collaborated with many musicians throughout his career, including Bill Frisell, Myra Melford, Brian Blade, Joshua Redman, Otis Taylor, Fred Hess and Scott Colley, among others. As… Read more...
This spring, the National Endowment for the Arts will celebrate two of BMI’s legendary jazz musicians, Stanley Clarke and Billy Hart, as Jazz Masters, which is the highest honor bestowed in the world of jazz music. As an extraordinary bass-player, Clarke has become one of the most influential players in… Read more...
