In a concert and ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, the National Endowment for the Arts recognized its 2013 class of Jazz Masters on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013.
The honor is the highest federally supported award for jazz artistry; those recognized receive a $25,000 grant and a tribute performance. The event was broadcast live at XM Satellite Radio, WBGO-FM and online — with a live video stream — at this page on NPR Music.
The NEA honored four individuals in 2013. Mose Allison devised a distinctive language as a jazz singer-songwriter, based around his piano; Lou Donaldson's bluesy alto saxophone is never far away from a groove of good feeling; Lorraine Gordon, owner of the Village Vanguard, presides over the longest-running and perhaps most prestigious club in New York; and Eddie Palmieri is one of the finest Latin jazz pianists (and bandleaders) in history.
Since 1982, the NEA has recognized 128 Jazz Masters (or group awards), all of whom were living at the time of their selection. In addition to the one-time grant, recipients are also invited to participate in NEA-sponsored live performances and education programs across the country.
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