The Mellon Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) today announced the second cohort of Jazz Legacies Fellows, honoring twelve legendary artists whose work has shaped and continues to impact the evolution of jazz in the United States and abroad. The 2026 fellows represent towering achievement across generations and styles, spanning avant-garde and free jazz to hard bop, fusion and vocal traditions. Collectively, they embody more than six decades of artistic excellence across alto saxophone, bass, flute, piano, trombone, vocals, and other reed instruments.

Founded as the centerpiece of Mellon’s $35 million, multifaceted national initiative to support the cultural preservation of jazz, the Jazz Legacies Fellowship reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to championing the artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping the art form and strengthening the broader jazz ecosystem.

Established in 2025 through a partnership funded by Mellon and implemented by JFA, the Jazz Legacies Fellowship was created to celebrate seasoned jazz musicians while addressing the economic precarity that often accompanies a lifetime of creative contribution. Each fellow receives a $100,000 unrestricted award, along with access to tailored professional and personal resources, including performance and master class opportunities, production support, and legal and financial counsel, as needed.

Now in its second cycle, the fellowship continues to honor artists not only for their historical impact, but for their ongoing creative vitality and leadership. The 2026 fellows were selected by a distinguished panel of artists, scholars, and jazz professionals including: James Carter, Kris Davis, Kate Dumbleton, Stefon Harris, Willie Jones III, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Samora Pinderhughes, Rio Saikari, Magdelys Savigne, and Amina Scott.