“Whatever you become, become it completely.” — Betty Carter
Betty Carter built a career on freedom, risk, and absolute musical control. Her voice could stretch a melody apart and rebuild it in real time, turning every performance into a conversation between rhythm, harmony, and instinct. She was an artist who treated jazz as something alive and constantly moving. It was equally clear that she was a jazz musician first and a singer second.
Betty Carter never approached a song the same way twice. Tempo, phrasing, silence, and swing were all open for reinvention every night she stepped onstage.
Betty Carter: May 16, 1929 - Sept 26, 1998
🎬 ”Tight” w @branfordmarsalis@wattsky@roberthurstbass #kennykirland on the @the_tonight_show_with_jay_leno
“You can’t put boundaries on music.” — Robert Glasper
At International Jazz Day, Robert Glasper has consistently represented the way jazz continues to evolve — connecting improvisation with hip-hop, soul, gospel, and contemporary Black music. Whether appearing alongside Herbie Hancock, collaborating with artists across genres, or bringing the spirit of Black Radio into global concert settings, Glasper’s presence reflects how wide the language of jazz has become.
He has appeared as part of multiple International Jazz Day celebrations over the years, including our 2013 edition in Istanbul, 2016 White House concert, 2018 in St Petersburg and April 30 in Chicago
Glasper’s performances at International Jazz Day feel rooted in conversation — between generations, traditions, and modern sounds. The piano remains at the center, but the influences stretch far beyond one category, which is part of why his work continues to resonate with generations of audiences.
“Silly Rabbit”
@robertglasper@boombishop@jtyson54@jahisundance
#jazzday #robertglasper #jazz #hiphop #blackradio
Dianne Reeves and Chucho Valdés — onstage together, only at @sfjazz . Watch these two supreme NEA Jazz Masters perform classics like “Afro Blue,” “Besame Mucho,” “My Foolish Heart” and many more by watching the full concert streaming now on SFJAZZ At Home – now available with Free Trials! link in bio
@diannereeves@chuchovaldesmusic
#sfjazz #jazzcorner #diannereeves #chuchovaldes #jazz
Pianist Billy Childs opening his 5 day residency last night at @smokejazzclub with a beautiful versiion of “Flamenco Sketches.”
Joining @billchildpiano is bassist @mattpenman and drummer @arihoening . #livestreaming on Fri for the 6 & 8pm shows with passes good for 48 hours. Visit smokejazz.com for all the info.
#jazzclub #nyc #jazz #piano
During the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert, @jacobcollier said he met @quincyjones at the same time he met @herbiehancock at the Montreux Jazz Festival...”These were two Chicago brothers that I met when I was 19, and they became harmonic godfathers to me...”
Enjoy this short video clip of Jacob’s version of the iconic Michael Jackson song, “She’s Out Of My Life” which Jacob dedicated to Quincy. Watch it in his entirety along with Quincy’s “Soul Bossa” streaming in 4k until May 30 at youtube.com/jazzday
#jazzday #jacobcollier #herbiehancock #quincyjones
We’re thrilled 6x GRAMMY winner, Billy Childs is returning to @smokejazzclub starting Wed- Sun —performing the music from his new album, ‘Triumvirate,’ his first trio recording in 25 years. This exciting new release harnesses the energy and creative prowess of his touring group — bassist Matt Penman and drummer Ari Hoenig — who appear with him at Smoke.Hope you join us. .
***video clip from previous performance at Smoke.
@billychildspiano@mattpenman@arihoening
#smokejazzclub #billychilds #jazzpiano
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, sisters, aunties, godmothers... as Stevie said, “No matter how young or how old, she is your queen”
#happymothersday
After a moving thank you speech from George Benson upon receiving the @sfjazz Lifetime Achievement Award , @georgebensonguitar broke out in song including on the evening’s highlights — his classic version of “Moody’s Mood” with a surprise from @ledisi joining him along with @richardbonamusic@therealmarcusmiller@chrmcbride@terence_blanchard and @kadscott
Watch the entire concert at sfjazz.org/watchgala for free to for a limited time.
It was a wonderful night and JazzCorner was glad to be there! Thank you @sfjazz 💕🎶
Honoring Miles Davis at 100 live from the SFJAZZ Gala with trades between @terence_blanchard & @keyonharrold backed by OG Miles Davis alumni @therealmarcusmiller with “Hannibal” from the 1989 album ‘Amandla’ which Miller co-produced with Miles.
Behind every unforgettable SFJAZZ Gala performance is a room full of artists pushing each other to new heights.
Get a glimpse behind the scenes as the all‑star concert lineup featuring Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Keyon Harrold, Edward Simon, Kendrick Scott, & David Sanchez prepare to reimagine the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and George Benson for SFJAZZ Gala 2026: Milestones including Miles’ classic composition “Two Bass Hit”.
This is a one night‑only gathering of some of today’s most compelling voices in jazz and beyond.
Watch the concert live at 6PM PT at SFJAZZ.org/AtHome
