The Marsalis Family – Ellis, Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason – are the first family  to be named en masse Jazz Masters by the NEA. They’re the first family to receive what has previously been an individual honor; also recognized with 2011 Jazz Masters recognition are Hubert Laws, David Liebman, Johnny Mandel and producer Orrin Keepnews.

Jason, Delfeayo, Branford, Ellis and Wynton Marsalis

The NEA Jazz Masters program honors living jazz musicians who receive a one-time fellowship award of $25,000, honors at a public ceremony, and the opportunity to play NEA-sponsored activities.

The Marsalises, Laws, Liebman, Mandel and Keepnews join last year’s honorees Muhal Richard Abrams, George Avakian, Kenny Barron, Bill Holman, Bobby Hutcherson, Yusef Lateef, Annie Ross, and Cedar Walton, as well as honorees dating back to 1982.

In response to the recognition, Ellis Marsalis said, “It is with great pride and humility that I accept this award on behalf of the Marsalis family. The NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship Award has special meaning to me as I was a member of the jazz panel at the inception of this award and had the opportunity to cast subsequent votes for many of the surviving jazz giants during my tenure. At that time I had no idea that we would be so honored by the NEA and placed in the company of such an esteemed group of individuals.

“I hope my sons and I continue to exemplify the quality of excellence in the work that is expected from the recipient of such an honor. I wish to thank all of those panel members who consider our family worthy of this award and assure them we will not disappoint them in the future.”