International Jazz Day

In November of 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially named April 30 as International Jazz Day. The idea that an organization as revered as UNESCO, which can trace its lineage back to the League of Nations and influences projects around the globe include the conservation and protection of world heritage sites like Grand Canyon National Park, the city of Venice and its Lagoon, and the Taj Mahal, recognizes the significant impact of Jazz music on society is something all musicians should be proud of.

In honor of International Jazz Day and the power that Jazz has with “its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe” the NAMM Oral History Collection highlights a variety of unique interviews with jazz icons such as jazz pianist, composer, and UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, Herbie Hancock; Vocalist, Lena Horne and Peggy Lee, Band Leaders, Lionel Hampton, and Cab Calloway; Musicians George Benson, Dave Brubeck, Clora Bryant, Chick Corea, and Tito Puente. We are honored to have these and other iconic jazz-inspired interviews in our collection.

Elizabeth Dale
Public Relations Coordinator

Dan Del Fiorentino
Music Historian