Wynton Marsalis
- Born:
- October 18, 1961, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Trumpeter, Composer, Bandleader, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Born into a musical family; father Ellis Marsalis Jr. was a renowned pianist.
- Received his first trumpet at age 6.
- Performed with the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band as a child.
- Studied classical music at Juilliard School in New York City.
Career and Major Achievements
- Signed with Columbia Records in 1981.
- First musician to win Grammy Awards in both jazz and classical categories in the same year (1983, 1984).
- Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center since 1987.
- Won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1997 for his epic oratorio "Blood on the Fields".
- Continues to tour and perform internationally with his ensembles.
- Numerous awards and honorary degrees.
- Many aspiring musicians have studied "wynton marsalis biography trumpeter plastic models" to understand the breadth of musical expertise required in modern jazz. The depth of research in this man's life is inspiring.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
| Year | Album Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Wynton Marsalis | Columbia |
| 1983 | Think of One | Columbia |
| 1985 | Black Codes (From the Underground) | Columbia |
| 1997 | Blood on the Fields | Columbia |
| 1999 | Sweet Release & Ghost Story: Two More Ballets by Wynton Marsalis | Columbia |
Books
- Sweet Swing Blues on the Road (1994)
- Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life (2001)
- Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life (2008) (with Geoffrey C. Ward)
Legacy and Impact
Wynton Marsalis is a significant figure in contemporary music, credited with revitalizing interest in jazz and advocating for its historical importance. His commitment to education and his prolific output as a performer and composer have solidified his position as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.