The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for Jazz through performance, education and advocacy. We believe Jazz is a metaphor for Democracy. Because jazz is improvisational, it celebrates personal freedom and encourages individual expression. Because jazz is swinging, it dedicates that freedom to finding and maintaining common ground with others. Because jazz is rooted in the blues, it inspires us to face adversity with persistent optimism
Jazz at Lincoln Centers Ertegun Hall of Fame, established in 2004, honors the legends of this music whose work made a pivotal impact on the direction and shape of Jazz.
To be nominated to the Hall of Fame, an artist must have:
1 Achieved innovation in a style or a concept of playing.
2 Created an original concept with a body of music or body of arrangements.
3 Spoke/speaks across generations, unbound to his or her generation’s concept of style.
4 Originated a definitive style.
5 Popularized a style without compromising the aesthetic quality of the music.
6 Occupies a significant position within the jazz lineage.
7 Influenced musicians across time.