Formed in New Orleans by Allan and Sandra Jaffe in the 1960s, Preservation Hall Jazz Band is renowned for championing traditional New Orleans jazz. Led by Ben Jaffe since 1987, the ensemble has evolved to incorporate original compositions, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and diverse collaborations on albums like That's It! and So It Is.
Formed four decades ago, alt-rock legends Goo Goo Dolls have achieved global number one hits and numerous accolades. Frontman John Rzeznik produced their album Chaos in Bloom, which features stadium-ready choruses and sharp songwriting.
Trombone Shorty and New Breed Brass Band are New Orleans artists known for vibrant brass music and cultural leadership. Trombone Shorty won a Grammy in 2022 and collaborated with major stars. New Breed released Grammy-nominated albums including Made In New Orleans.
Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated artist Mary J. Blige fused hip-hop and soul on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? and her 1994 release My Life. Known for her gritty urban style and frank lyrics, she has released multi-platinum albums and earned wide acclaim.
British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello emerged in the 1970s punk and new wave scene, known for his sharp lyricism and musical versatility. Spanning genres from rock and pop to classical and jazz, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Look Now.
Nile Rodgers is a New York-born musician, songwriter, and producer best known for co-founding the disco band Chic, which scored chart-topping hits like Le Freak and Good Times. He later produced iconic albums and tracks for David Bowie, Madonna, and Daft Punk, earning multiple Grammy wins and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Houston-born guitarist Billy Gibbons is best known as the frontman for the blues-rock band ZZ Top, famous for hits like La Grange, Sharp Dressed Man, and Legs. He later launched a solo career with albums including Perfectamundo, The Big Bad Blues, and Hardware.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Paul Simon is a legendary singer and songwriter who defined folk-rock. Alongside Art Garfunkel, he created iconic 1960s hits like The Sound of Silence and Mrs. Robinson. He later achieved massive solo success, winning multiple Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, including for his landmark 1986 album Graceland.
Warren Haynes, born in Asheville, is a renowned blues-rock guitarist known for soulful sounds. Founder of Gov't Mule, ex-Allman Brothers member, his solo album, "Million Voices Whisper," features tracks with John Medeski and Derek Trucks, with guest artists Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson.
Irish artist Hozier, from Wicklow, rose to fame with "Take Me To Church." Known for soulful music, he achieved critical acclaim with albums like "Wasteland, Baby!" and "Unreal Unearth," earning multi-platinum sales and a Grammy nomination. His global success includes topping charts and billions of streams, but Ireland remains his heart’s home.
Jon Batiste is an American composer, pianist, singer and bandleader with eight Grammy Awards, plus an Emmy and an Oscar. His albums include WE ARE, which won Grammy Album of the Year, and BIG MONEY, Best Americana Album.
Los Angeles-raised singer-guitarist Susanna Hoffs co-founded the Bangles in 1980, blending ’60s garage rock, lush harmonies and jangly guitars into ’80s hit-making success with three platinum albums. She later released solo LPs and teamed with Matthew Sweet on Under the Covers.
Grammy-nominated producer and Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Linda Perry began her career as the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes. She became a highly accomplished songwriter and producer, shaping the sounds of artists like P!nk, Christina Aguilera, and Adele.
