Biography

An acclaimed, Grammy-winning producer, trombonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master, Delfeayo Marsalis has also dedicated his prolific career to promoting music theatre and education. Marsalis has toured internationally with music legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own groups. At the age of 17, Marsalis began his career as a producer and has to date produced over 125 recordings, garnering one Grammy award and several nominations. In 2008, he formed the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, a highly entertaining ensemble that focuses on bringing the jazz party, all night long! Marsalis also formed the Uptown Music Theatre in 2000, a non-profit organization that empowers youth through musical theatre training. He has written sixteen musicals to date and composed over 100 songs that help introduce kids to jazz. He has reached over 10,000 students nationally with his Swinging with the Cool School jazz workshops. As a leader, Marsalis has released ten cds to critical acclaim. The latest, Crescent City Jewels, charted in the Jazz Week Radio charts top 10 for 8 weeks.