Jazz Foundation of America honors George Benson in Los Angeles
The Jazz Foundation of America organized an extraordinary gathering of musicians, artists, philanthropists and supporters for a special evening on Sunday, November 1, at Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles. This event celebrated the contributions of two notable figures in music and philanthropy through performances and personal stories, creating a memorable night dedicated to honoring their achievements and support for the jazz community.
The evening presented George Benson with the Tommy LiPuma Award recognizing his recording excellence throughout his career. Eden Alpert received the Quincy Jones Love and Peace Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to musicians. Featured performers included Wyclef Jean, Isaiah Sharkey, Aloe Blacc, Carmen Lundy and the Titans of Jazz, with artistic direction provided by Steve Jordan.
George Benson, a 10-time Grammy Award winner, NEA Jazz Master and Hollywood Walk of Fame star recipient, has enjoyed a seven-decade career spanning guitar, vocals, songwriting and recordings. He seamlessly blends jazz, soul and pop styles, earning widespread recognition in American music. “No one embodies the merging of sophisticated pop and soulful swing like George Benson, and there is no more fitting recipient of the Tommy LiPuma Award,” said JFA Artistic Director Steve Jordan.
Eden Alpert, entrepreneur and managing partner of Vibrato Grill Jazz, earned recognition for her extensive support of musicians and efforts to bring top artists to audiences. Her work has opened doors for both veteran and emerging talents while strengthening Los Angeles' live music scene. For over ten years, she has hosted JFA benefit events at the venue. The Quincy Jones Love and Peace Humanitarian Award, named after the foundation's longtime champion, highlights her generosity toward the music community. “Through her philanthropic work and leadership, Eden has provided opportunities for veteran and emerging musicians alike while contributing to the vitality of the live music community in Los Angeles,” said JFA Executive Director Joe Petrucelli. “She has also provided a home base for JFA in L.A. by hosting benefit events for us at Vibrato over the past decade.”
The performances united artists from jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop traditions. Wyclef Jean, three-time Grammy winner and Fugees co-founder, performed alongside Grammy-winning guitarist Isaiah Sharkey, known for work with Patti LaBelle, John Mayer, Coldplay and Paul Simon. Aloe Blacc, recognized for collaborations with Avicii, and NEA Jazz Master Carmen Lundy, a noted vocalist, composer and arranger, also took the stage.
The Titans of Jazz ensemble included bassist Henry "Skipper" Franklin with credits alongside Freddie Hubbard, Ornette Coleman, Count Basie and Stevie Wonder. Drummer and educator Roy McCurdy has performed with Sonny Rollins, Art Farmer, Benny Golson and Cannonball Adderley. Patrice Rushen, NEA Jazz Master, contributed as pianist, R&B singer, producer, songwriter and musical director.
Steve Jordan, a Rolling Stones member, acted as artistic director for the evening. His extensive career includes collaborations with Chuck Berry, Sonny Rollins, Eric Clapton, Beyoncé and Aretha Franklin, showcasing his broad influence across genres.
Funds raised during the evening will aid the Jazz Foundation of America's initiatives offering housing assistance, healthcare, disaster relief and employment to jazz, blues, roots and R&B musicians across the country. The organization assists artists and families facing financial difficulties, health issues, injuries or disasters, while fostering opportunities for continued performances.
Musicians who benefited from JFA support shared their experiences. Cecil Payne described how the foundation helped him during vision loss, providing food, daily calls and school gigs that restored his hope and led to club work. Wardell “Mr. Big Stuff” Quezergue noted assistance after Hurricane Katrina that enabled his return to New Orleans and work. Odetta Gordon recounted support after breaking her hip, including mortgage payments and hospital visits. Little Jimmy Scott mentioned aid after an accident that prevented home loss and included a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Apollo Theater.
Through its programs, the Jazz Foundation of America creates employment via Jazz and Blues in the Schools and the Gig Fund, offering hundreds of musicians monthly opportunities. In the past year, the organization handled more than 7,000 cases, extending its reach to underserved communities in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, museums, parks, libraries and centers nationwide, supporting 37 years of service to musicians.
