Dr. Billy Taylor

Tonight we shared the first show of the new year together! We meditated on our needs for the year ahead, enjoyed great collaborations, the works of jazz families and paid tribute to the late pianist, composer and jazz educator, Dr. Billy Taylor who passed away on December 28, 2010.

We also put the spotlight on some of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters such as, The Marsalis Family and Hubert Laws. Other honorees this year include Johnny Mandell, David Liebman and Orrin Keepnews. You can watch the web cast of a panel discussion with the 2011 Jazz Masters on Monday, January 10 from 1 - 2 PM EST and the awards ceremony & concert on Tuesday, January 11 at 7:30 PM. Go to www.arts.gov to check it out!

If you want to contact me, feel free via e-mail at  jazz@gpb.org or join The Jazz Spot on GPB Radio on Facebook.

Thanks for listening! Be inspired by Jazz music and culture, everyday!!!