jen awards
JEN’s award program has been in existence since the organization’s first year.
We proudly recognize the talented educators who have made an impact on jazz.
It is our honor and privilege to be able to extend these awards each year to deserving educators and artists.
2025 Nominations Now Open
Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year Award
Named after the legendary jazz educator, this award recognizes an outstanding college or university educator in the field of jazz, who represents the highest standards of teaching and whose results have brought distinction to their institution and their students.
photos by René Heumer
past awardees
2023 – Michael Dease
2022 – Joseph Jefferson
2021 – Jim Gasior
John LaPorta Educator of the Year Award
photo by Rene Huemer
past awardees
2023 – Curtis Gaesser, Sacramento, CA
2022 – Roosevelt Griffin, III, Chicago, IL
2021 – Gary Washburn, Hawaii
2020 – Paul Pitts, Boston MA
2019 – Thomas “TL” Lizotte, Cape Elizabeth, ME
2018 – Diane Downs, Louisville, KY
2017 – Dr. Robert Klevan, Pacific Grove, CA
2016 – José Antonio Diaz, Houston, TX
2015 – Janis Stockhouse, Bloomington, IN
2014 – Daniel Gregerman, Skokie, IL
2013 – Davie Yarborough, Washington, D.C.
2012 – Bart Marantz, Dallas, TX
2011 – Caleb Chapman, Salt Lake City, UT
Award Recipients prior to JEN
2008 – Don Cantwell, Barneveld, NY
2007 – Bob Sinicrope, Milton, MA
LeJENds of Jazz Education Award
Established in 2012 by the JEN Board of Directors, the LeJENds of Jazz Education Award honors true legends in jazz education. This award is bestowed upon a jazz educator who has distinguished themselves by living up to the JEN Mission.
photo by Rene Huemer
past awardees
2023 – Kim Nazarian
2022 – Joseph Jennings
2021 – Phil Wilson, Geri Allen,
Clarence Acox, Jr.
Dr. James Hardy Patterson
2020 – Kidd Jordan
2019 – Barry Harris
2018 – Dr. John Edward Hasse
2017 – Ellis Marsalis, Jr.
2016 – Phil Mattson
2015 – Herbie Hancock
Bobby Shew
2014 – Paris Rutherford
Ed Soph
2014 – Paris Rutherford
Ed Soph
2013 – Rufus Reid
Dave Liebman
2012 – Jamey Aebersold, David Baker, Jerry Coker, Dan Haerle
LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award
Established in 2014 by the JEN Board of Directors, the LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award honors true legends of Latin Jazz. This award is bestowed upon a musician who has distinguished themselves by living up to the JEN Mission.
photo by Rene Huemer
past awardees
2023 – John Santos
2022 – Ignacio Berroa
2021 – Pete Escovedo
2020 – Chucho Valdés
2019 – Alex Acuña
2018 – Bobby Sanabria
2017 – Eddie Palmieri
2016 – Paquito D’Rivera
2015 – Poncho Sanchez
2014 – Candido Camero
Donald M. Meade Legacy Founders Award
Founded by the African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC), The Donald Meade Legacy Foundation has been founded upon the premise that the “story” is an essential part of jazz education and that the storyteller or Griot creates a vital link between the music and life stories. Donald Meade’s first voice stories embrace the social, political and cultural realities that shaped and created jazz truths. He has inspired and encouraged numerous jazz artists, and he was a steadfast advocate for jazz education, particularly for young people. The AAJC foundation, presented at the annual JEN Conference in tandem with JEN, continues his legacy through recognizing other jazz griots with the
Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award, in addition to creating platforms in which their stories can heard around the world.
Click to learn more about AAJC and the Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award.
photo by Rene Huemer
past awardees
2023 – Dorthaan Kirk
2022 – Roxanne Stevenson
2021 – Barry Harris
2020 – Stephen Foster
2019 – Jimmy Heath
2018 – Nobuko “Cubi” Narita
2017 – Willie Pickens
2016 – Larry Reni Thomas
2015 – Congressman John Conyers, Jr.
2014 – Dr. Larry Ridley
2013 – Dr. Willis Kirk
2012 – Donald Meade
Presidents’ Service Award
The Presidents’ Service Award is awarded annually by the President in consultation with the President-Elect, Vice President, Immediate Past President, and additional members of the Advisory Council of Past Presidents to an individual who has given tirelessly of their efforts, resources, expertise, and time, demonstrated their commitment to JEN’s mission, and is a true example of altruism.
photo by Rene Huemer
past awardees
2023 – John Blane
2022 – Michael Shirtz
2021 – Tony & Nancy Sinnott, Deb Rhea
2020 – Ryan Adamsons
2019 – Dr. David Fodor (IL)
2018 – Mary Ann Fischer
2017 – Frances Scanlon
2016 – Richard Condit
2015 – Sharon Burch
2014 – Jerry Tolson
2013 – Gene Perla
2012 – Larry Green
2011 – Steve Crissinger
2010 – Jim Widner
