2013 NEA Jazz Masters Announced

Mose Allison, Lou Donaldson, Lorraine Gordon and Eddie Palmieri have been named as the 2013 NEA Jazz Masters. Considered the highest honour in jazz, the 4 new "masters" will join the 124 previous honourees who have been named since the programs inception in 1982.

The four musicians will officially receive their honours at the annual NEA Jazz Masters awards cermeony and concert, taking place on January 14, 2013, in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

In a statement made by NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman he outlined the importance of 2013's selections "Each of the 2013 NEA Jazz Masters has made an indelible mark on jazz as we know it today. Mose Allison’s fusion of jazz and blues has created a new sound uniquely his own, influencing scores of musicians and songwriters after him. Lou Donaldson has been a major force not just as a musician but also as a scout for new talent for the Blue Note label. Eddie Palmieri successfully combines the sounds of his Puerto Rican heritage with the jazz music he grew up with as a first-generation American. And Lorraine Gordon continues to provide a haven for jazz musicians to present their art at the Village Vanguard. I look forward to celebrating their achievements and contributions to this important American art form."

The awards ceremony will be simulcast live at arts.gov and HERE

For more information about the NEA Jazz Masters CLICK HERE