Branford Marsalis

World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis has always been a man of numerous musical interests. The three-time Grammy Award-winner has continued to exercise and expand his skills as an instrumentalist, a composer, and the head of Marsalis Music, the label he founded in 2002 that has allowed him to produce both his own projects and those of the jazz world's most promising new and established artists.

Marsalis is also dedicated to changing the future of jazz in the classroom. He has shared his knowledge at such universities as Michigan State, San Francisco State, Stanford, and North Carolina Central. Beyond these efforts, he is also bringing a new approach to jazz education to jazz students and jazz listeners in colleges and high schools through Marsalis Jams, an interactive program in which leading jazz ensembles present concert/jam sessions in mini-residencies.

Among the most socially conscious voices in the arts, Marsalis quickly immersed himself in relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He is the honorary chair of the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity effort to rebuild the city and with his friend Harry Connick Jr., he conceived the Habitat Musicians' Village, which provides a home for artists in the city's historic Ninth Ward.

In 2019, Marsalis was nominated in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category in the 62nd Grammy Awards for his album, The Secret Between The Shadow And The Soul, a category he has previously won in. Also in the 62nd Grammy Awards, he was also nominated for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for "The Windup."

Whether on the stage, in the recording studio, in the classroom, or in the community, Branford Marsalis represents a clear commitment to musical excellence and a determination to keep music at the forefront.