The signature award presented by The Nash honors legends who have impacted the jazz world with their music and mentorship. Conceived by Lewis Nash, the Jazz Beacon Awards recognize the important contributions musicians have made to the world of jazz.
Meet Our Past Winners
Ron Carter
Carter is the most recorded jazz bassist in history with more than 2,200 recording session on his resume. The winner of three Grammy Awards played with Lena Horn, B.B. King, and Miles Davis.
Benny Golson
With 30 albums and 300 compositions to his credit, Golson also composed and arranged on many other collaborations. The tenor saxophonist played with fellow legends Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lionel Hampton.
George Cables
The innovative pianist played with the biggest names in jazz throughout his early career and branched out to pursue his own solo and ensemble projects, becoming a major force in modern jazz.
Jimmy Cobb
The original drummer in Miles Davis’ First Great Sextet started performing in the 1950s and collaborated over the years with the likes of Billie Holiday, Pearl Bailey, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Charles McPherson
The internationally acclaimed alto saxophonist performed with Charles Mingus in the 1960s and 70s before leading his own groups and is widely considered one of the all-time bebop greats.
Houston Person
Tenor saxophonist Houston Person is renowned for his big, wide-open tone and his commitment to "soul jazz". His shows often more resemble a tent revival or late-night at a roadside honky tonk than a typical jazz concert.
Charles Lewis
Jazz pianist Charles Lewis is an Arizona treasure. He has lived and performed in Arizona since the early 1950s, and formed The Charles Lewis Quintet in 1961, which regularly performed jazz at the Playboy Club in Phoenix. Charles has been a mainstay of the Phoenix jazz scene for seven decades, and continues to delight audiences with his playful style and quick wit.
