BMI was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of incomparable jazz pianist/composer/arranger Ahmad Jamal, who died Sunday at age 92 at his home in Ashley Falls, MA. A hugely influential figure renowned for his nuanced playing, Jamal’s less-is-more style allowed for depth and understatement in his performances, allowing light… Read more...
Both BMI and the jazz world are mourning the passing of innovative saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter, who died today in Los Angeles at the age of 89. A player with a distinctive style, Shorter’s mastery of the tenor saxophone set him apart in the 1960’s as a name to know, and… Read more...
Five-time Emmy-winner Jeff Beal is renowned for scoring celebrated films and television series including House of Cards, Rome, Monk, Pollock, and Blackfish, as well as composing powerful orchestral works. The prolific and versatile composer has roots in classical music, which imbue his works with a wide range of moods and… Read more...
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the 2023 recipients of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship with two BMI affiliates taking top accolades: Kenny Garrett and Louis Hayes. These fellowships are the highest honor bestowed upon musicians in the world of jazz and include an award of $25,000.… Read more...
This spring, the National Endowment for the Arts will celebrate two of BMI’s legendary jazz musicians, Stanley Clarke and Billy Hart, as Jazz Masters, which is the highest honor bestowed in the world of jazz music. As an extraordinary bass-player, Clarke has become one of the most influential players in… Read more...
BMI is saddened by the passing of R&B and jazz great James Mtume. Best known for his mega hit “Juicy Fruit,” which has been sampled in countless subsequent R&B hits since his own version in 1983, Mtume also produced and co-wrote smash singles, Stephanie Mills’ “Never Knew Love Like This… Read more...
Lady Blackbird didn’t mean to soundtrack a revolution, but last spring, that’s exactly what she did. On May 27th, 2020, Los Angeles-based singer Marley Munroe released her debut single, “Blackbird,” a cover of the Nina Simone track from which she created her stage name. By her early teens, Lady Blackbird… Read more...
BMI is saddened by the loss of one of our most talented recording engineers, Al Schmitt, who passed away Monday at the age of 91. During his long and continuously impressive career, Schmitt, who joined BMI in 1971, won a record-breaking 20 GRAMMYS for his creative recording talents on more… Read more...
During the month of April each year, BMI is proud to honor Jazz Appreciation Month by recognizing the exceptional heritage, history and future of jazz. Over the decades, so many of our talented composers have been making their mark as they drive forward the evolving genre - mixing styles, improvising… Read more...
BMI is saddened by the passing of one of the true jazz giants, Chick Corea, who died this week at the age of 79. Corea, who continued to astound audiences for more than half a century with his unique jazz-rock fusion, was one of the most renowned keyboardists in music… Read more...
