Acclaimed Jazz Trumpeter, Composer & Educator; Two-Time Academy Award Nominee; Grammy Award-Winning Opera Composer; Executive Artistic Director at SFJAZZ
Terence Blanchard Biography
Terence Blanchard is recognized as a versatile figure in American music, known for his work as a jazz trumpeter, film composer, opera composer, and educator. Blanchard replaced Wynton Marsalis in Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, serving as musical director for several years. He also co-led a quintet with saxophonist Donald Harrison, recording five albums during the 1980s. Blanchard's self-titled debut album for Columbia Records reached third on the Billboard Jazz Charts. He has released 20 solo albums, received 15 Grammy nominations, composed for the stage and for more than 60 films, and completed 10 major commissions.
Blanchard's contributions to film scoring are significant within the jazz community. He began his film career by playing trumpet for Spike Lee's "Mo' Better Blues" and has continued to collaborate with Lee, composing music for films including "Malcolm X," "Jungle Fever," "Crooklyn," "Clockers," "Summer of Sam," "Bamboozled," and "25th Hour." Blanchard has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Original Score for "BlacKkKlansman" and "Da 5 Bloods," both directed by Lee. He became only the second African-American composer to be nominated twice in the original score category at the Academy Awards, following Quincy Jones.
In opera, Blanchard's first work, "Champion," about boxer Emile Griffith, premiered with a libretto by Michael Cristofer and starred Denyce Graves. "Champion" debuted at the Metropolitan Opera to critical acclaim and won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. His second opera, "Fire Shut Up in My Bones," based on the memoir by Charles Blow, premiered at the Metropolitan Opera, marking the first opera by an African American composer to premiere at the Met. The production reached tens of thousands in person and many more through The Met: Live in HD broadcasts.
Blanchard's recordings often address social issues, including human rights, civil rights, and racial injustice. His album "Breathless" serves as an elegy for Eric Garner, while other albums such as "A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina)" and "Magnetic" have received critical recognition. The New York Times has described his body of work as among the broadest and most imposing of any living jazz musician.
As an educator, Blanchard has held positions at Berklee College of Music, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He has been named an NEA Jazz Master and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and serves as Executive Artistic Director for SFJAZZ. Blanchard has also been recognized with a United States Artists Fellowship and a Peabody Medal. His career spans jazz performance, film scoring, Broadway, and opera, reflecting a commitment to both artistic excellence and social engagement.
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Terence Blanchard Videos
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Speaking fees for Terence Blanchard, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Terence Blanchard are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Terence Blanchard, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Terence Blanchard speak about?
Terence Blanchard is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Music -
Where does Terence Blanchard travel from?
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Terence Blanchard is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Terence Blanchard for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Terence Blanchard generally travels from New Orleans, LA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jon Batiste, Harry Connick Jr., Tim Berne, Ted Nash and Doreen Ketchens. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Terence Blanchard for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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