American Jazz Musician
Wynton Marsalis—one of America’s greatest musicians—has propelled jazz to the forefront of American culture. He is the world’s first jazz artist to perform and compose across the full jazz spectrum from its New Orleans roots to bebop to modern jazz. Mr. Marsalis is a 9-time GRAMMY-winner; in 1983, he became the first and only artist to win both classical and jazz GRAMMYs® in the same year, repeating the distinction the following year. Today, Wynton is the only artist ever to win GRAMMY Awards® in five consecutive years (1983-1987). Wynton is the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music for his oratorio, Blood on the Fields . Marsalis’ vision and passionate leadership were essential to the effort to construct Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home— Frederick P. Rose Hall—the first education, performance, and broadcast facility devoted to jazz, which opened its doors in October 2004. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wynton has recorded and released 8 studio albums, including the groundbreaking Democracy! Suite. Wynton continues spreading the spirit of swing with captivating performances and diverse public programming.