The evening overview including musicians, presenters and performers: The night’s honorees will be Benny Golson (composer and saxophonist), Wendy Oxenhorn (founding director and vice chairman of the JFA), legendary songwriter Mike Stoller, Titans of Jazz Bass (Cecil McBee, Rufus Reid, Larry Ridley, Paul West, Buster Williams and Reggie Workman) and a special tribute to the late Ramsey Lewis (composer and pianist). In addition to an evening of honors, the night will feature a gala concert headed by Musical Director Steve Jordan. Performers include Jon Batiste, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Bettye LaVette, Monty Alexander, Ray Parker Jr., Kenny Barron, and more.
Musicians often make their mark young, which makes sense given the energy and determination required to do so. They then must transform that early gift through the course of a life in order to sustain a career.