BMI Jazz Composers Top ‘Downbeat’ Readers Poll
Downbeat has released its 73rd Annual Readers Poll with BMI jazz composers topping 24 of the 29 categories, accounting for 84% of the winners. These composers represent the “who’s who” of jazz performers and BMI’s dominance in the genre.
Sonny Rollins top two categories, Jazz Artist and Tenor Saxophone, while the Pat Metheny Trio garnered the Jazz Group award; Pat Metheny himself nabbed the Guitar title. Top honors went to Keith Jarrett, who was inducted in Downbeat’s Hall of Fame; Michael Brecker’s Pilgrimage received the Jazz Album honor and B.B. King received the Blues Artist title. Additional instrumentalists honored include Herbie Hancock (Piano), James Carter (Baritone Saxophone), Steve Turre (Trombone) and Miles Davis (Historical Album).
BMI’s Downbeat Readers Poll winners:
Keith Jarrett
Hall of Fame
Sonny Rollins
Tenor Saxophone
Jazz Artist
Michael Brecker
Jazz Album
Miles Davis
Historical Album
Pat Metheny Trio
Jazz Group
Pat Metheny
Guitar
Steve Turre
Trombone
Wayne Shorter
Soprano Saxophone
Phil Woods
Alto Saxophone
James Carter
Baritone Saxophone
Paquito D’ Rivera
Clarinet
James Moody
Flute
Herbie Hancock
Piano
Joey DeFrancesco
Organ
Chick Corea
Electric Keyboard/Synthesizer
Christian McBride
Acoustic Bass
Steve Swallow
Electric Bass
Jack DeJohnette
Drums
Poncho Sanchez
Percussion
Bobby Hutcherson
Vibes
Toots Thielemans
Miscellaneous Instrument
Kurt Elling
Vocals
B.B. King
Blues Artist/Group
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