Recent Jazz News
BMI’s 33rd annual Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase, held at Dizzy’s Club in New York City on June 13, featured the best new big band and jazz orchestra compositions created in the workshop during the 2021-2022 season. The evening was hosted by Musical Director Andy Farber and Assistant Musical Director…
BMI Songwriter Kermit Ruffins Highlights Broadcasters Convention in New Orleans
BMI was on hand recently, along with jazz trumpeter and BMI songwriter Kermit Ruffins, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in New Orleans. At the event, held in June at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, BMI honored LAB President & CEO Polly Johnson…
BMI Jazz Composers Workshop Presents 33rd Annual Summer Showcase June 13
The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will present the best big band and jazz orchestra compositions produced throughout the year at its 33rd Summer Showcase Concert, with two sets held on June 13 at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM at Dizzy’s Club in New York City. Each seating will feature the…
For Joe Lovano, Every Month is Jazz Appreciation Month
Joe Lovano has spent his entire life as a student of jazz, and the majority as a teacher. The revered saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, a second-generation Sicilian American and son of tenor saxophonist Tony “Big T” Lovano, developed a love for jazz at a young age. Growing up in Cleveland, his…
BMI Mourns the Loss of Modern Jazz Composer and Cornetist Ron Miles
BMI is saddened by the passing of cornetist, composer, and bandleader Ron Miles. Best known for his genuine, straight from the soul delivery, Miles collaborated with many musicians throughout his career, including Bill Frisell, Myra Melford, Brian Blade, Joshua Redman, Otis Taylor, Fred Hess and Scott Colley, among others. As…
BMI Congratulates 2022 NEA Jazz Masters Stanley Clarke and Billy Hart
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…
BMI Remembers Film/TV Composer and Blood, Sweat & Tears Co-Founder Dick Halligan
BMI is saddened by the passing of Dick Halligan, co-founder of the GRAMMY-winning band Blood, Sweat & Tears, and composer of more than 20 film and TV projects. During his time with BS&T, Halligan played trombone, flute and keyboards, significantly adding to the band’s signature jazz/rock sound, which earned several…
BMI Congratulates its 2021 Latin GRAMMY Nominees
BMI is once again exceptionally proud of its many songwriters and producers nominated for premier industry accolades at the upcoming 2021 Latin GRAMMY Awards. These innovative music creators are continuing the lead the way with their chart-topping work across the wide spectrum of Latin music. Among the names nominated for…
BMI Mourns the Loss of Jazz Master Dr. Lonnie Smith
BMI is saddened by the recent passing of longtime BMI affiliate, Dr. Lonnie Smith, who was renowned for his incredible talent as an organist after first laying hands on a Hammond as a teen. In short time, Smith captured the attention of such greats as BMI affiliate George Benson, whose…
BMI Celebrates Black Music Month
Throughout the month of June, BMI will proudly honor Black Music Month, a time to recognize the immeasurable influence and incredible impact of Black music on genres across the spectrum. Black songwriters, artists and musicians have created, inspired and nurtured styles such as Gospel, folk, blues, jazz, R&B, rock, country,…