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Friday, September 12, 2014

The Recording Academy® Statement Re: Gerald Wilson September 10, 2014

Dan Carlin, Honoree Gerald Wilson and Neil Portnow during 1st Annual GRAMMY Salute to Jazz at The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, California. Photo Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/Wireimage.com © 2004. Photographed by: R. Diamond.

"A musician, composer, arranger, and a 2004 Recording Academy President’s Merit Award recipient, Gerald Wilson had an extraordinary career that spanned eight decades. A pioneer of jazz, he played trumpet in big bands and worked with legendary artists including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Bobby Darin, among many others. One of the most sought after arrangers and composers, he scored motion pictures and television shows, and became known for his unique compositions. He also had an innate ability to create entire pieces around individual performers, adapting to their styles and highlighting their unique talents. In addition to his prolific works as a musician, Wilson was also a generous educator, teaching jazz at several Southern California universities. He also was a guest conductor for the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY Camp – Jazz Session program for high school students, and he participated in GRAMMY in the Schools panels. Our music community has lost one of its most passionate, dedicated and dynamic creators, and his impressive legacy will continue to teach and inspire. Our deepest sympathies go out to Wilson’s family, friends, and all who have benefitted from his immense talent."
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Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy


In 2004, Wilson's life story was preserved on videotape via the GRAMMY Foundation's Living Histories program. For exclusive clips of this remarkable interview in his own words, please click here

Honoree Gerald Wilson and The Gibson Baldwin High School Jazz Ensemble during 1st Annual GRAMMY Salute to Jazz at The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, California. Photo Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/Wireimage.com © 2004. Photographed by: R. Diamond.

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Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visitwww.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram,Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

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