Written by After a brief hiatus in 2023, the prestigious Jazz FM Awards, an annual celebration of exceptional talent in the realms of jazz, soul, and blues, is poised to make a return in the spring of 2024.
Since its inception in 2013, the Jazz FM Awards have been a spotlight for extraordinary musicians, both emerging and established. The winners’ circle boasts an impressive array of artists, from newcomers like Lady Blackbird, Mica Millar, Ezra Collective, and Laura Mvula to legends such as Gregory Porter, Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Dame Cleo Laine, Courtney Pine, and even The Rolling Stones.
Nick Pitts, Jazz FM and Scala Radio’s Content Director and Jazz FM Awards Director, shed light on the change in schedule: “The Jazz FM Awards, like all other ceremonies of worth, took place in ‘Awards Season’ towards the start of the year, looking back at the previous calendar year. Due to the pandemic and the lockdown-delayed ceremony of 2020, the Jazz FM Awards has since found itself taking place in the autumn, reflecting a mid-year to mid-year release and activity period.”
He went on to explain that the shift in schedule aims to offer artists a better opportunity to leverage their wins and nominations for summer tours and concerts. The 2024 edition will consider music released between May 2022 and December 2023, ensuring that no deserving recipients are left out.
JazzFM 2022 winners from (L to R): Jools Holland – Impact Award, Norma Winstone – Lifetime Achievement Award, Marcus Miller – Gold Award
Joint headline sponsors PPL and PRS for Music, integral supporters of the Jazz FM Awards, will return for a fourth time. Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL, expressed their commitment: “The Jazz FM Awards are a vital platform for celebrating this diverse genre, and PPL is delighted to return as co-headline sponsors in 2024 alongside PRS for Music.” He highlighted the recent success of past Jazz FM Award winners Ezra Collective, who were the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize.
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS for Music, echoed the sentiment, saying, “The Jazz FM Awards celebrate creativity, artistry, and culture. We look forward to the ceremony, which is always a truly special night and inspiring.”
The Jazz FM Awards serve as a testament to the thriving jazz, soul, and blues scene, providing artists with the recognition they deserve and fostering a sense of community within these vibrant musical genres.
Jazz FM, the world’s largest commercial jazz station, has been promoting the complete spectrum of jazz since 1990. As the UK’s sole dedicated jazz broadcaster, Jazz FM is committed to entertaining, promoting, and celebrating the rich world of jazz.
The Jazz FM Awards, founded in 2013, have become a highlight in the global jazz, soul, and blues calendar. The awards recognize outstanding musicians, artists, and organizations in the industry. With support from commercial sponsors, the campaign culminates in a star-studded ceremony that celebrates the nominees and their contributions.
Previous Jazz FM Awards ceremonies have featured performances by luminaries like Tony Bennett, Laura Mvula, Jamie Cullum, Ego Ella May, Kandace Springs, Ramsey Lewis, Dame Cleo Laine, and Georgie Fame. The awards have been presented by esteemed jazz enthusiasts such as Gregory Porter, The Rolling Stones, Judi Jackson, Courtney Pine, Pat Metheny, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, George Benson, and many more.
For more information visit the JazzFM Awards website here.
Last modified: September 19, 2023
