Forty Years of Jazz and Democracy: Wynton Marsalis’s Lasting Legacy
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
24 February 2026
Black Culture Review:
Mr. Wynton Marsalis Interview on the Amanpour & Co. Youtube Share!
Echo News TV LLC presents a jubilant report on the legacy and impact of legendary jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, featuring highlights from Amanpour & Co.'s exclusive interview with Walter Isaacson.
New York, New York - In a momentous milestone for the world of music, Wynton Marsalis has announced his decision to step down after nearly forty years as Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Marsalis, the world-renowned trumpeter and composer, was instrumental in founding the New York institution in the 1980s with a mission to foster a more conscious, collaborative, and creative world through jazz.
A Jazz Success Story with a Tinge of the Blues: At Lincoln Center, Defining the Canon Draws Fire https://wyntonmarsalis.org/news/entry/a-jazz-success-story-with-a-tinge-of-the-blues-at-lincoln-center
The Amanpour & Co. video share captures Marsalis reminiscing about those early days—when, at just 25, he took a chance on a summer concert series at Lincoln Center that would blossom into an international beacon for jazz. He credits the vision and support of women like Alina Bloomgarden, Darth Kirk, and the legendary Betty Carter for setting the foundation of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Despite initial criticism for celebrating Duke Ellington’s music, Marsalis doubled down, ensuring Ellington’s legacy became central to their programming.
Marsalis’s tenure is marked by his unwavering belief in jazz as a metaphor for democracy. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, improvisation, and listening—values that have not only shaped his leadership but also created an orchestra where every member has a voice. Under Marsalis, the institution has balanced the preservation of jazz’s rich traditions with bold innovation, adding over 1,200 new arrangements and collaborating with musicians worldwide.
The report also highlights Marsalis’s reflections on the challenges and joys of building Jazz at Lincoln Center, his commitment to American musical heritage, and his current work, including the upcoming Liberty Symphony in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. Marsalis’s optimism and steadfast dedication to democracy and creativity shine through, inspiring new generations to embrace the enduring power of jazz.
Here's a fun fact: I mention Mr. Marsalis's visit to The Bucky James Community Center in Long Branch New Jersey in my new book, "The Bad Dream Part 1 & 2: An American Prophecy https://www.echonewstv.com/post/the-bad-dream-part-1-2-an-american-prophecy-she-ready
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