April 5, 2020 — Congratulations to Lonnie and Ocie Davis for being recognized as one of this year’s Jazz Heroes.

In this troubling time, as the world fights a pandemic, the Jazz Journalists Association is proud to celebrate the hearts, souls and efforts of 27 “activists, advocates, altruists, aiders and abettors of jazz” in 23 U.S. cities as the organization’s 2020 Jazz Heroes.

These Jazz Heroes are united by their devotions to put jazz into the public sphere, for all to enjoy. They are presenters, educators, journalists, broadcasters, non-profit administrators, public faces of grassroots organizations and in several cases active players who have developed, sustained and helped document America’s native-born music in their local communities and beyond.

These “heroes” believe creative music improvisation has healing benefits for individuals and society as a whole — and do their best to spread that message. During Jazz Appreciation Month, and in this unprecedented environment, recognizing the powerful healing of music is more important than ever.

“What an honor to be part of this elite list of jazz supporters,” says Lonnie Davis. This list includes award winning trumpeter Sean Jones, Blues musician and Executive Director of Jazz at St Louis Gene Dobbs Bradford, and so many more. Nominations come directly from community members, in recognition of local activism. As JazzArts recognizes its 10-year anniversary in Charlotte, this submission from jazz photographer Enid Farber is especially meaningful.

Read the announcement in the JazzTimes Magazine, and learn more about Jazz Journalists Association and the complete list of honorees, with photo portraits and biographies.