Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Marsalis is a celebrated trumpeter, composer, and educator known for his contributions to jazz music and his role as artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Trumpet Player

October 18, 1961

Libra

63

New Orleans, Louisiana

A renowned trumpeter, composer, and educator, Wynton Marsalis has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. Born into a musical family in New Orleans, he began playing the trumpet at the age of six and quickly gained recognition for his prodigious talent.

Marsalis’ career took off in the early 1980s when he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He went on to release critically acclaimed albums, including his debut, “Wynton Marsalis,” and the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Blood on the Fields.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Marsalis has garnered numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts. He served as the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center for over two decades, where he championed jazz education and preservation.

Beyond his musical achievements, Marsalis is also a dedicated educator and advocate for the arts. He has established several educational programs, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Essentially Ellington program, which nurtures young jazz musicians.

With his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and commitment to jazz, Wynton Marsalis continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.