Born in Philadelphia, jazz legend Stanley Clarke revolutionized bass playing in Chick Corea's Return to Forever. Known for hits like "Sweet Baby," Clarke's solo works span funk to post-bop. He's won multiple Grammys and collaborated widely, including with George Duke and Victor Wooten.
Born in South Central LA, saxophonist Gerald Albright became a top session musician in the '80s, later signing with Atlantic. Known for albums like "Just Between Us," he collaborated with Norman Brown and consistently hit Billboard's jazz charts.
Born in Brooklyn, Marcus Miller is a versatile bassist known for his jazz-funk style and collaborations with Miles Davis, Lenny White, and Grover Washington, Jr. Winner of a Grammy for 2001's M², his albums often top jazz charts. Also a film composer with works like 2017's Marshall.
Born in NYC, Najee is a celebrated saxophonist and flutist known for blending jazz with R&B. Hits include "Najee's Theme" and "Tokyo Blue". Collaborated with Prince, Chaka Khan. Winner of two NAACP Awards.
Stephanie Mills, born in Brooklyn, NY, starred as Dorothy in "The Wiz" and scored numerous R&B hits including "Never Knew Love Like This Before." Winner of multiple gold albums and awards, she collaborated with notable names like Teddy Pendergrass and Angela Winbush.
5-time Grammy-winner Lalah Hathaway, a Chicago-born artist known for R&B, has collaborated with Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar & more. Celebrated for her vocal talent & musical lineage, she's also famed for her work with icons like Prince & Stevie Wonder.
Washington, D.C.-born R&B artist Kevin Ross shines with unique vocals and eloquent songwriting. Known for hits like "Long Song Away," he boasts over 300 million streams, #1 Billboard songs, and collaborations with Ne-Yo, T.I., and Kevin Hart. Founder of Art Society Music Group.
Born in La Jolla, Michael Franks became a key figure in soft jazz and pop with hits like "Popsicle Toes." Celebrated for blending poetry with music, his work features Latin influences and collaborations with artists like David Sanborn and Bonnie Raitt.
Shemekia Copeland, born vocalist, blends blues, R&B, and Americana. Known for "Turn The Heat Up" and "Uncivil War", she collaborates with icons like John Prine. Winner of 12 Blues Music Awards and 3 Grammy nods.
Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, born in Quivicán, is a pivotal figure in Afro-Cuban jazz. Winner of 7 GRAMMYs® and 5 Latin GRAMMYs®, inducted into Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. Known for his blend of jazz, classical, and rock.
Naturally 7, a band known for "vocal play," combines rap, rock, soul, and folk using only their voices. Famous for stunning a cappella covers, including Coldplay's "Fix You". Praised by Quincy Jones and toured with Michael Bublé. Celebrating 20 years with a rich mix of originals and covers.
Bob James, Missouri-born Grammy-winning jazz icon, is known for hits like "Angela" (Taxi theme) & albums like Touchdown. A pioneer in bridging jazz, pop, and classical, he co-founded Fourplay & has collaborated extensively, influencing genres from bop to R&B.
