NEA Jazz Masters

The NEA Jazz Masters is an honor awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts to outstanding jazz musicians, educators, and industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the genre. Established in 1982, it recognizes those who have shaped jazz through innovation, performance, and education. Recipients are celebrated for their creativity, influence, and dedication to advancing jazz music. The award not only honors individual achievement but also highlights jazz's cultural importance and encourages its ongoing development and appreciation nationwide.