Terence Blanchard, the renowned trumpeter and composer who will assume the role ofexecutive artistic directorfor SFJazz, has been chosen as one of the esteemed 2024National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters.
The seven-time Grammy winner and two-time Academy Award nominee joins a distinguished group that includes journalistWillard Jenkins, pianistAmina Claudine Myersand saxophonistGary Bartz, a resident ofEmeryville.
Every year for more than four decades, the NEA has designated a cohort of Jazz Masters, a distinction widely regarded as one of the highest honors in the jazz realm. The prestigious list of fellows, spanning a total of 173, features luminaries such as pianistHerbie Hancock, vocalist Abbey Lincoln and saxophonist extraordinaire Sonny Rollins.
Last month, New Orleans nativeBlanchardwas named the successor to SFJazz founderRandall Kline, who established the organization in 1983 and plans to step down in November.
“Terence is an inspiration,” SFJazz CEO Greg Stern told The Chronicle. “This recognition from the NEA, with whom SFJazz has a long-standing partnership, is further testament to the impact he will have on SFJazz and its place in the cultural pantheon of San Francisco and beyond.”
Throughout his illustrious career, the 61-year-old Blanchard has traversed various musical territories, from his early days as a member ofArt Blakey & the Jazz Messengersto his prolific work in scoring for films directed by Spike Lee and other prominent filmmakers.
This year, Blanchard was awarded the highly covetedPeabody Medalfor his outstanding contributions to music and dance in America. He also recently presented “Champion: An Opera in Jazz” at the Metropolitan Opera and composed the soundtrack forTiana’s Bayou Adventure, an upcoming attraction set to replace Splash Mountain at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
“Jazz is one of our nation’s most significant artistic contributions to the world, and the NEA is proud to recognize individuals whose creativity and dedication ensure that the art form continues to evolve and inspire new audiences and practitioners,” said NEA ChairMaria Rosario Jacksonin a statement.
The 2024 NEA Jazz Masters will be honored at an April 13 ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Reach Aidin Vaziri: avaziri@sfchronicle.com