Born in Philadelphia, Grammy Award-winning keyboardist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber pioneered contemporary post-fusion jazz, combining funk, R&B, rock, and electric jazz. Emerging in the late 1970s with the Jeff Lorber Fusion, he released acclaimed albums like Prototype and Private Passion.
Born in Los Angeles, Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and session player Gerald Albright is known for chart-topping albums like New Beginnings, Groovology, and 24/7 with Norman Brown.
Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and producer Marcus Miller is known for his contemporary jazz, funk, and R&B. Emerging as a prolific session musician, he gained acclaim playing with Miles Davis in the 1980s. Miller has released numerous acclaimed solo albums and composed film scores.
Born in New York, saxophonist and flautist Najee is a prominent crossover jazz and R&B artist. Known for his Grammy-nominated 1986 debut Najee's Theme, he has released numerous chart-topping albums and collaborated with Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder.
Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer Stephanie Mills began as a Broadway star, originating the role of Dorothy in The Wiz, where Home became her signature song. Transitioning to R&B, she released hits like Never Knew Love Like This Before and collaborated with Teddy Pendergrass.
Chicago-born R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Lalah Hathaway is a five-time Grammy winner who shares the record for most Best Traditional R&B Performance wins. She has released seven solo albums and collaborated with Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, and Dr. Dre.
Philadelphia-born singer Musiq Soulchild pioneered the early-millennium neo-soul movement, blending classic R and B influences with hip-hop storytelling. Known for his raw vocal talent, he has sold millions of records and earned 13 Grammy nominations.
Grammy-winning composer, pianist, and producer Bob James is a co-creator of smooth jazz, seamlessly blending bop, pop, classical, and R&B. Best known for his hit Angela from the show Taxi and as a founding member of Fourplay, he has released numerous acclaimed solo and collaborative albums.
Washington, D.C.-born singer, songwriter, and producer Kevin Ross elevates R&B with #1 Billboard hits like Long Song Away and Drive 2. He has earned Soul Train and NAACP nominations, collaborated with Ne-Yo and T.I., and founded Art Society Music Group.
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), established in Dallas, Texas, in 1977 by Curtis King, is a cultural organization dedicated to supporting African Americans in the visual and performing arts. It fosters understanding of African, African-American, and Caribbean arts and letters. TBAAL preserves and promotes Black art and culture, offering a platform for diverse artistic expression. The organization was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2015.
Award-winning blues, R&B, and Americana vocalist Shemekia Copeland began her recording career in 1998 with her debut Turn The Heat Up. Known for her ninth album Uncivil War, she has earned three Grammy nominations, 12 Blues Music Awards, and over 20 Living Blues Awards.
Cuban pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés is the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. With a career spanning over six decades, he has won seven GRAMMY Awards and five Latin GRAMMY Awards, and was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Emotional R&B-oriented saxophonist Everette Harp graduated from North Texas State University, played in Houston (1981-1988), then moved to Los Angeles. He worked with Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, and Kenny Loggins; debuted on Manhattan (1991).
Los Angeles native Paul Jackson Jr. is a renowned guitarist who has recorded with music superstars like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Elton John. He has also performed on numerous major television broadcasts and received Grammy recognition for his work with Daft Punk.
Naturally 7 is a seven-member vocal play band formed by school and gospel choir friends. Blending soul, rap, rock, and folk using only their voices, they have toured with Michael Bublé and earned praise from Quincy Jones.
Born in Philadelphia, jazz bassist Stanley Clarke revolutionized his instrument by moving it to the forefront. A founding member of Return to Forever, he won a Grammy for No Mystery and later launched a successful solo career with albums like School Days, alongside numerous high-profile collaborations.
Michael Franks, born in La Jolla, California, is known for his smooth jazz and pop fusion, achieving commercial success with "Popsicle Toes" from The Art of Tea. Influenced by jazz legends and Brazilian music, he collaborated with artists like David Sanborn and Ron Carter. His songs, performed by the Manhattan Transfer and others, feature notable guest vocals by Bonnie Raitt and Flora Purim. A tribute album, The Art of Michael Franks, highlighted his impact on music.
New Orleans-born Jason Marsalis, youngest of the renowned Marsalis jazz family, leads his Vibes Quartet. Known for his unique vibraphone sound, he blends diverse influences and polyrhythms in his compositions. Notable albums include "In a World of Mallets" (Offbeat's Best Contemporary Jazz Album) and "The 21st Century Trad Band". He was a Downbeat Magazine "rising star" and the Marsalis family received an NEA Jazz Masters award.
A premier three-day music festival held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, featuring renowned international and local artists performing jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and neo-soul music across multiple stages.
