Jazz Legends in Harlem
The Jazz Foundation of America brought its annual spring benefit, A Great Night in Harlem, back to Jazz at Lincoln Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for a powerful celebration of music, legacy, and community.
Credit Udo Salters
The Jazz Foundation of America brought its annual spring benefit, A Great Night in Harlem, back to Jazz at Lincoln Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for a powerful celebration of music, legacy, and community.
Known as one of New York’s signature cultural benefit events, the program gathered artists from across jazz, blues, rock, and soul while raising support for the Jazz Foundation’s work with musicians in need. The organization provides housing assistance, medical care, disaster relief, direct financial support, and paid performance opportunities for artists facing hardship.
Norah Jones and Steve Jordan
Credit Udo Salters
Marel Hidalgo and Ernest Ranglin
Credit Udo Salters
Lindsay Watson and Penny MacIntyre
Credit Udo Salters
This year’s celebration honored 10-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones with the 2026 Dr. Billy Taylor Humanitarian Award. The night also recognized Buster Williams and Gary Bartz as 2026 Jazz Legacies Fellowship recipients, celebrating their lasting influence on the sound and history of jazz.
Led by Artistic Director Steve Jordan, the program featured a wide-ranging lineup of tributes and collaborations. Highlights included a centennial tribute to Miles Davis with Gary Bartz and Patrice Rushen, Buster Williams’ Something More featuring Lenny White, a tribute to Ernest Ranglin with 17-year-old guitar phenom Marel Hidalgo, and a tribute to Cal Tjader and Willie Bobo featuring Juan Diego Villalobos and Sammy Figueroa.
Jimmy Owens and Monte Croft
Credit Udo Salters
Norah Jones
Credit Udo Salters
Credit Udo Salters
The roster also included Mino Cinelu, Clifton Anderson, Mike Camacho, George Colligan, James Genus, Mike Griot, Winard Harper, Stefon Harris, Monte Croft, Ana Petrova, Antoine Roney, Pablito Rosario, Leonieke Scheuble, Marcos Torres, Steve Wilson, and many others. Special guest Ann Curry also appeared as part of the program.
Beyond the performances, A Great Night in Harlem served as a reminder of the Jazz Foundation’s essential role in supporting working musicians across the country. For many artists, the organization offers not only emergency assistance, but also a path back to the stage through dignified employment and community concerts.
Past honorees and performers have included Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Tony Bennett, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Keith Richards, Jon Batiste, Common, Lou Reed, John Mayer, and other major figures in music. This year’s edition continued that tradition with a night rooted in artistry, gratitude, and support for the musicians who have shaped American culture.
Those who were unable to attend can still support the Jazz Foundation of America’s programs through the organization’s donation page.