Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz

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Jazzback Thursday 🎶 2009 Bass Competition Gala. "All about that bass..."

2009 International Bass Competition

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington, D.C.

First Place: Ben Williams, Washington, D.C. Second Place: Joe Sanders, Wisconsin Third Place: Matthew Brewer, Oklahoma

Judges: Ron Carter Charlie Haden Dave Holland Robert Hurst Christian McBride John Patitucci

The 2009 Competition featured the presentation of the Maria Fisher Founder’s Award to Bruce Lundvall

Composers Competition Winner: Joe Johnson, Missouri

Photo (l-r): Ben Williams (1st place), Joe Sanders (2nd place) and Matthew Brewer (3rd place)

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“Jazz music is a language of the emotions.”

— Charles Mingus

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Jazzback Thursday 🎶 1990 — Ryan Kisor (center), first-place winner of this year's Trumpet Competition, with judges (L–R) Clark Terry, Nat Adderley, Red Rodney, and Snookie Young.

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The Institute mourns the loss of Frank Gehry — one of the most inventive and influential architects of all time. 

Over a career spanning more than half a century, his iconic buildings transformed the course of modern architecture. 

Frank loved jazz and felt a deep connection between the music’s freedom and fluidity and his own creative process.

He was a dedicated Institute Board Trustee and a recipient of the Herbie Hancock Humanitarian Award. 

We were deeply honored that he joined us for this year’s International Jazz Day in Abu Dhabi — a moment beautifully captured in this photo.

Our sincerest condolences go to his wife, Berta Gehry, and the entire Gehry family.

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Jazzback Thursday 🎶 2012 A spectacular moment from the first International Jazz Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York — Stevie Wonder performing alongside George Duke, Hugh Masekela, Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, Lionel Loueke and Vinnie Colaiuta. Photo: Steve Mundinger.

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"Love baby, love. That's the secret, yeah. If lots more of us loved each other, we'd solve lots more problems. And then this world would be a gasser. That's wha' ol' Pops keeps saying..." —Louis Armstrong

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Jazzback Thursday 🎶 2015: A behind-the-scenes moment from the Institute’s Vocals Competition at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The jury that year: (left to right) Dee Dee Bridgewater, Freddy Cole, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Luciana Souza (not in this picture: Kurt Elling and Dianne Reeves) And the winner? Jazzmeia Horn! 🎤

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Jazzback Thursday 🎶 Al Jarreau and Kurt Elling backstage at the Institute’s 2010 International Jazz Vocals Competition in Washington DC.

Winners: Cécile McLorin Salvant (1st), Charenée Wade (2nd), Thelma Young (3rd).

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Six months from now, all roads lead to Chicago! The birthplace of so much rhythm, and the home of International Jazz Day 2026. 🎷🎶🎹🎸🥁🎺

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Jazzback Thursday 🎹 1987: The very first International Piano Competition in Washington, D.C.

In this picture: Marcus Roberts (Florida, second from left) was awarded First Place, launching a remarkable international career. Rob van Bavel (The Netherlands) took Second, John Colianni (New York) placed Third, and Joey DeFrancesco (Pennsylvania) came in Fourth before Harry Appleman.

The esteemed panel of judges included Sir Roland Hanna, Barry Harris, Hank Jones, Roger Kellaway, and Dado Moroni.

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Jazz is music made by and for people who have chosen to feel good in spite of conditions.

—Johnny Griffin

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Jazzback Thursday 🎙️ 2004 International Jazz Vocals Competition: a moment of quiet magic with singer Little Jimmy Scott and Gretchen Parlato, who would go on to win First Place.

Photo: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz

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Jazzback Thursday 🎺 Backstage at the 2007 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Trumpet Competition: Sting, Chris Botti, and Herbie Hancock in Washington, D.C.

A snapshot that captures the electrifying spirit of the world's most renowned jazz competition.

Photo: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz

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Jazzback Thursday 🎤 1998 — Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Vocals Competition brought together five powerhouse artists to serve as judges: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nnenna Freelon, Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, and Diana Krall.

Each brought a unique perspective—from tradition to innovation—guiding rising vocalists with insight, generosity, and artistry.

An unforgettable moment in the Institute’s history of mentorship and excellence in jazz vocals.

Photo: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz

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Jazzback Thursday 🎤 April 30, 2012, Chaka Khan took the stage at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the inaugural International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert.

Surrounded by some of the greatest names in jazz, Chaka brought her unmistakable voice and energy to the global celebration of peace, dialogue, and unity through music.

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Jazzback Thursday 🎸 2005. The Institute hosting its International Guitar Competition in Washington, D.C. — One of the highlights: a performance by George Benson, who also served as a judge.

Photo: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz

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“You call it jazz. For me, it is just music. It is different for different people.” —John Coltrane