2017 JJA Jazz Heroes named

The Jazz Journalists Association has announced the 2017 "class" of JJA Jazz Heroes, 26 individuals in twenty locales around the U.S. who are being honored for their personal work in keeping jazz alive and thriving in their communities. Jazz Heroes are selected each year by community members in consultation with the JJA; the award recognizes the many kinds of non-musical contributions that are needed to keep the music going and bringing in new audiences.  More on the 2017 honorees.

2017 JJA Jazz Awards Nominations Underway

The twenty-first JJA Jazz Awards season has begun:  Professional journalist members of the Jazz Journalists Association are currently submitting nominations for the 2017 awards for jazz musicianship, recording and journalism and local communities have made their nominations for 2017 Jazz Heroes who have made exceptional contributions to jazz in those communities.

• 2017 Jazz Heroes will be announced here on April 1 MON APRIL 3.
• Nominees for 2017 Jazz Awards will be announced here on May 1
• 2017 Jazz Awards winners will be announced here on June 1.

The JJA is still seeking sponsors and supporters for the 2017 awards; for more information please email president@jazzjournalists.org.

VIDEO 2016 JJA Jazz Awards Party

Produced by Michal Shapiro with assistance from Brian Pace.

2016 JJA Jazz Awards party photos

Roll over photo for i.d.
Roll over photo and click arrow to see more photos.
MORE PARTY PHOTOS ADDED 6/24

2016 JJA Jazz Awards for Music Winners Announced

The winners of the 2016 JJA Jazz Awards in 32 categories of musical achievement have been The 

announced, with Henry Threadgill -- this year's Pulitzer Prize for Music winner, and a Doris Duke Performing Artist -- hailed for his Lifetime Achievement in Jazz. Composer-arranger-orchestra leader Maria Schneider has won five Awards, including Musician of the Year and Best Album of  2015 for Thompson Fields, and Los Angeles-based tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington has been named Up and Coming Artist of the Year.