NEA Statement on the Death of NEA Jazz Master Marian McPartland

From the August 21 National Endowment for the Arts press release:

It is with great sadness that the National Endowment for the Arts acknowledges the passing of 2000 NEA Jazz Master Marian McPartland. As host of the renowned public radio show Piano Jazz, McPartland played a key role in helping to popularize jazz through her intricate knowledge of the art form and her prowess on the piano. NEA Senior Deputy Chairman Joan Shigekawa said, "Marian McPartland faced many challenges playing jazz as a woman in the 1940s. She was one of the first women to lead her own band, landing an eight-year residency at the historic Hickory House in New York City before going on to a career as the host of Piano Jazz where she was integral to raising the profile of jazz nationwide."

The NEA joins the jazz community and beyond in mourning her death while celebrating her career and dedication to jazz.

Visit the NEA’s website for a full bio on Marian McPartland and Jazz Moments—short audio pieces on McPartland's life and influences, including the challenges of performing live, her experiences meeting Thelonious Monk, and on her first introduction to jazz.