“In celebration of your singular voice, your boundless creativity, and the profound impact you’ve made on our music and our community. Your sound makes the world a better place.“
This year’s Award of Recognition recipient is Olu Dara. Chosen by the trumpet community, this award honors his unique artistry, his body of work, and his wide-ranging influence on so many musicians.
Since Olu Dara is unfortunately unable to accept the award in person, we have created a short video in his honor – offering a glimpse into his work and paying tribute to his legacy.
“He is one of a kind. You have to listen to all of his music. He’s really one artist you cannot pigeonhole.” – Craig Harris
Dave Douglas points out, Natchez is the album to start with: “His presentation of the material is exactly the way he always talked about doing it. It’s a giant American statement.”
Once again this year, the one and only Josh Landress of J. Landress Brass has crafted a beautiful trophy for our Award of Recognition recipient.
In the September 2025 issue of The New York City Jazz Record, Jeff Cebulski shines a spotlight on Olu Dara, this year’s Award of Recognition recipient: “Reconnecting Jazz to Blues and Back.”
“I hope my music has been fun and made a positive impact. I sing, dance, joke and have a good time. It’s easy. I’m glad I was able to reconnect jazz to the blues and move it backward and forward at the same time.” – Olu Dara
Read the full article in The NYC Jazz Record.
“Olu was always a guiding force for me because he brought all these stories… he was a bridge from the older bebop cats to the younger ones…he could play like anybody but had distinctive Olu chops.” – David Murray
“I don’t ask (band members) for anything… (Olu) was unique. When he interpreted my music, I could always depend on him coming to it so original and so full of depth.” – Henry Threadgill
