Congratulations to the NEA Jazz Masters recipients for 2023.

Among the highest honors bestowed upon jazz musicians, journalists or producers is the National Endowments of the Arts, Jazz Masters. The artists honored this year were all raised in Detroit, Michigan, and have gone on to make extraordinary contributions within jazz. These honorees will be celebrated at a public concert in Washington, DC, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

These are your 2023 NEA Jazz Masters

  • Regina Carter – is renowned for her mastery of the violin and exploring the instrument’s possibilities in jazz, as well as taking journeys in other genres of music.
  • Kenny Garrett – is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist composer, and band leader. Loved by Hartford fans for his mentorship by Jackie McLean, and inclusion of bassist Nat Reeves in his band on record and tours. A member of Miles Davis’ band for many years.
  • Louis Hayes -a member of bands led by jazz legends such as Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson, Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner. One of the most sought after drummers for over 50 years.
  • Sue Mingus – has been a fierce proponent for the legacy of her late husband, Charles Mingus, one of the legends of jazz, whose centennial is celebrated in 2022.

For more information on the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters, see the official press release at the NEA website.