Jazz Faculty Billy Hart Named 2022 NEA Jazz Master
Legendary jazz drummer and NEC jazz faculty member Billy Hart has been named a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, alongside other honorees Stanley Clarke, Cassandra Wilson, and Donald Harrison Jr. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the NEA Jazz Masters honor, which is the highest award that can be given to jazz musicians by the US government.
In addition to receiving a $25,000 award, Hart and all of the recipients will be honored in a concert on Thursday, March 31, 2022, held in collaboration with and produced by SFJAZZ.
Ann Eilers, acting chairman for the NEA, said:
"Jazz continues to play a significant role in American culture thanks to the dedication and artistry of individuals such as these and we look forward to working with SFJAZZ on a concert that will share their music and stories with a wide audience next spring."