Jazz Night In America Jazz Night In America is a public radio program, a video concert documentary series, and an online home for the music, from NPR Music, WBGO and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Jazz Night In America

Subscribe to NPR Music Newsletter

A 'Jazz Night' Family Affair: Father And Son Saxophonists Mike And Julian Lee

Saxophonists Mike and Julian Lee Christopher Drukker/Artist hide caption

toggle caption

Christopher Drukker/Artist

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

A 'Jazz Night' Family Affair: Father And Son Saxophonists Mike And Julian Lee

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

June 17, 2021 • Jazz Night explores the heartwarming relationship between saxophonists Mike Lee and his son Julian, through music from both and the backstory that led to Julian's early love of jazz.

A 'Jazz Night' Family Affair: Father And Son Saxophonists Mike And Julian Lee

56:02

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1007218470/1007711259" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

A Mambo Expedition In The Valley Of The Sun

Orquesta Akokán performs onstage at the MIM Music Theater in Phoenix. Emma Barber/Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum hide caption

toggle caption

Emma Barber/Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

A Mambo Expedition In The Valley Of The Sun

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

November 21, 2019 • Jazz Night stops by the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Hear a recap of a tour — the museum hosts more than 370 exhibits — and a performance by mambo big band Orquesta Akokán.

A Mambo Expedition In The Valley Of The Sun

54:55

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/781580458/784106836" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Billy Strayhorn (right), spent the majority of his career as a composer and arranger for Duke Ellington (left) and his orchestra. David Redfern/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption

David Redfern/Getty Images

The Lush Life Of Billy Strayhorn

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

November 3, 2016 • The composer was remarkable not only for his harmonically rich collaborations with Duke Ellington, but for living as an openly gay black man in the 1940s.

The Lush Life Of Billy Strayhorn

57:06

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/500504682/500512491" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

WBGO

Our Partner: WBGO

Founded in 1979, WBGO is a publicly-supported cultural institution that champions jazz to a worldwide audience.

Anna Webber

Meet Christian McBride

The host of Jazz Night In America is also one of the premier bass players of his generation.

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The Works Of Cedar Walton

Cedar Walton, performing in the U.K. in 1976. Andrew Putler/Redferns hide caption

toggle caption

Andrew Putler/Redferns

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The Works Of Cedar Walton

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

May 27, 2021 • Christian McBride dives into Jazz at Lincoln Center's vaults for another edition of our Crate Digging series. Hear a set from one of his favorite pianists and composers: Cedar Walton.

Crate Digging With Christian McBride: The Works Of Cedar Walton

1:04:23

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1000163029/1000925604" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

One Year Later, Pianist Helen Sung Returns To The Stage

Helen Sung in concert. Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center hide caption

toggle caption

Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

One Year Later, Pianist Helen Sung Returns To The Stage

May 13, 2021 • Filmed at Dizzy's Club, Helen Sung's quartet plays several pieces born out of the sorrow, loss and anxiety caused by the pandemic.

Betty Carter. Anthony Barboza/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Anthony Barboza/Courtesy of the artist

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Celebrating Betty Carter

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

September 10, 2015 • There's jazz conservatory, and there was "the school of Betty Carter": her band's alumni and the fellow singers bound by her thrall. Vocalist Charenée Wade leads a tribute to her lasting influence.

Celebrating Betty Carter

55:08

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/439291717/439293490" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Terri Lyne Carrington: Trailblazer, Advocate and NEA Jazz Master

Terri Lyne Carrington at PDX Jazz in 2018 Mark Sheldon/PDX Jazz hide caption

toggle caption

Mark Sheldon/PDX Jazz

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Terri Lyne Carrington: Trailblazer, Advocate and NEA Jazz Master

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

April 29, 2021 • In her decades behind the drum kit, 2021 NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington has become one of jazz's most dynamic musicians. In this episode, we'll hear music that captures her wide-ranging sound.

Terri Lyne Carrington: Trailblazer, Advocate and NEA Jazz Master

56:28

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/988760784/991986233" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Phil Schaap's 50-Year Career: The Raconteur Raised On Jazz

Phil Schaap in WKCR studio, 1991 John Abbott/John Abbott hide caption

toggle caption

John Abbott/John Abbott

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Phil Schaap's 50-Year Career: The Raconteur Raised On Jazz

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

April 23, 2021 • We examine the life and legacy of 2021 NEA Jazz Master Phil Schaap with music from Jazz at Lincoln Center and a rare live album produced by Schaap himself at the West End Café in Manhattan.

Phil Schaap's 50-Year Career: The Raconteur Raised On Jazz

56:19

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/989558661/989878527" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Bassist and composer Marcus Miller, performing during a tribute to Miles Davis on July 13, 2011 in Montreux, France. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Marcus Miller: Electric Miles

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

April 22, 2021 • Join us for the premiere of electric bassist (and Miles Davis collaborator) Marcus Miller's retrospective concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis going electric!

Stream the 2021 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert From SFJAZZ

2021 NEA Jazz Masters NEA hide caption

toggle caption

NEA

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Stream the 2021 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert From SFJAZZ

April 21, 2021 • Performances and speeches honor this year's NEA Jazz Masters award recipients, including Terri Lyne Carrington, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Henry Threadgill & Phil Schaap. Watch live Thu, Apr 22 at 8PM ET!

Henry Threadgill conducts the Society Situation Dance Band at the Very Very Threadgill festival. Shahar Azran/Courtesy of Harlem Stage hide caption

toggle caption

Shahar Azran/Courtesy of Harlem Stage

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Very Very Henry Threadgill

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

April 15, 2021 • The saxophonist and composer has always pushed boundaries. Harlem Stage celebrates his career with a two-day concert retrospective of his various groundbreaking ensembles.

Very Very Henry Threadgill

56:11

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/363674856/365339238" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Tootie Heath. Michael Perez/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

Michael Perez/Courtesy of the artist

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Tootie Heath's 80th Birthday

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

April 13, 2021 • The great drummer is sounding as good as ever in his ninth decade. Hear from him as he performs at his 80th birthday party, and as he speaks to host Christian McBride off stage.

Tootie Heath At 80

56:16

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/438982094/438982987" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Jazz Night in America NPR hide caption

toggle caption

NPR

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Jazz Night In America Wants To Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month With You

April 1, 2021 • For this year's jazz appreciation month, NPR's Jazz Night in America wants to hear from you! Let us know what role jazz plays in your life.

Myra Melford at Jazz at Lincoln Center © Frank Stewart/JALC hide caption

toggle caption

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Myra Melford's Myriad Sounds

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

March 25, 2021 • Jazz Night in America profiles multi-dimensional pianist and composer Myra Melford, who takes us on a musical journey across the spectrum, from the avant-garde to the blues.

Myra Melford's Myriad Sounds

59:18

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/980747535/981197818" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Leni and Mike Stern: Alone Together Duets

NPR

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Leni and Mike Stern: Alone Together Duets

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

March 11, 2021 • Guitar heroes Mike and Leni Stern offer copious amounts of joy and West African vibes from their Manhattan apartment.

Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn: Alone Together Duets

Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn Youtube hide caption

toggle caption

Youtube

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn: Alone Together Duets

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

March 9, 2021 • Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn perform a duet from their home in Nashville.

Pianist Helen Sung: From Classical Outsider To The Jazz Inner Circle

Helen Sung Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center hide caption

toggle caption

Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Pianist Helen Sung: From Classical Outsider To The Jazz Inner Circle

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

March 4, 2021 • Sung reflects on how, as a young classical pianist, she stuck to her jazz dreams. More recently, she's translated her emotions on social justice into a thematic composition for her quartet.

Pianist Helen Sung: From Classical Outsider To The Jazz Inner Circle

56:02

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/973404805/973716531" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Chick Corea performs in Boston. NPR hide caption

toggle caption

NPR

Chick Corea: Back In Boston

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

February 18, 2021 • The legendary pianist has lived many lives as a musician, from post-bop wunderkind to free-jazz maverick to fusion explorer to chamber-jazz eminence.

Chick Corea: Back In Boston

56:34

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/662519569/969111534" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Alone Together: Jazz Couples (Stuck) at Home

Taali and José James /Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption

/Courtesy of the artist

Jazz Night In America: Video Episodes And Shorts

Alone Together: Jazz Couples (Stuck) at Home

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

February 12, 2021 • Over the past year, we caught up with jazz couples to get a behind-the-curtain look at life during quarantine, alone together.

Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

A Fine Romance: Jazz & Valentine's Day

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

February 11, 2021 • Celebrate Valentine's Day with classic songs of love from a 2018 Jazz at Lincoln Center concert, featuring vocalists Brianna Thomas, Vuyo Sotashe and an all-star big band.

A Fine Romance: Jazz & Valentine's Day

55:00

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/966324310/966940326" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Saint Coltrane: The Church Built On A Love Supreme. /Mark Doox hide caption

toggle caption

/Mark Doox

Saint Coltrane: The Church Built On 'A Love Supreme'

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

February 2, 2021 • Jazz Night visits the St. John Will-I-Am Coltrane African Orthodox Church, an evolving house of worship that has incorporated John Coltrane's A Love Supreme album as their chief liturgical text.

Lost (And Found) In Yonkers: The Billy Lester Story

Anna Yatskevich /Courtesy of Newvelle Records

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

Lost (And Found) In Yonkers: The Billy Lester Story

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

January 28, 2021 • Jazz Night shines a light on the reclusive 74-year-old pianist Billy Lester. Lester has spent his whole life in Yonkers, N.Y. We hear his story and listen back to a trio set recorded in 2019.

DO NOT USE

Audio for this story is unavailable.

The Modern All-Stars: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

Top (L to R): Antonio Hart, Carl Allen, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Benny Green. Bottom (L to R): Marlon Jordan, Tim Warfield, Mark Whitfield Ken Franckling /Jazz Times hide caption

toggle caption

Ken Franckling /Jazz Times

The Modern All-Stars: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

July 25, 2020 • Hear a power hour of all-stars with some of the best sets to come out of the modern era of the Newport Jazz Festival, featuring Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Cécile McLorin Salvant and more.

The Modern All-Stars: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

58:00

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/895126229/895142198" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

The Golden Age: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

Fans sit under an umbrella as shade from the hot sun during the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, R.I., on July 8, 1962. Boston Globe/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption

Boston Globe/Getty Images

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

The Golden Age: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

July 23, 2020 • Hear an unforgettable lineup of music from the Newport Jazz Festival, hand-picked by Christian McBride. Check out rare sets from the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet, Dave Brubeck and Horace Silver.

The Golden Age: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

56:00

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/894579168/894686556" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

The Stars Shine: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

Ray Charles performs at The Newport Jazz Festival in 1968. /Newport Festivals Foundation hide caption

toggle caption

/Newport Festivals Foundation

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

The Stars Shine: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center

July 24, 2020 • Hear historic music from the Newport Jazz Festival, hand-picked by Christian McBride. Tune in to rare sets from Ray Charles, Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.

The Stars Shine: A Newport Jazz Festival Special

57:00

Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/894713029/894773611" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">