The inaugural Jazz Music Awards makes history at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Here’s a first: the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, celebrating the spirit of jazz, takes place Oct. 22 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Jazz 91.9 WCLK is presenting the event, to be hosted by a stellar duo — singer and actor Dee Dee Bridgewater, and the stage and screen actor Delroy Lindo. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes was joined via Zoom by Wendy Williams, the general manager of Jazz 91.9 WCLK, and Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer and music director Terri Lyne Carrington.

The interview began with the glaring question, “Why hasn’t there been a large-scale music award event dedicated to jazz in America until now?” This very question perplexed Williams when, as a general manager at two large music radio stations, she decided to address the conspicuous omission. “I mean, we talk about representation being everything, but [jazz] was just so glaringly omitted from the landscape of awards shows that it bothered me. It really did,” said Williams. “We’re trying to answer that question right now with the Jazz Music Awards.”

Gathering an impressive lineup of guests, Williams and the Jazz Music Awards’ music director Carrington also knew they wanted hosts who would bring a genuine love of jazz to the event, as well as plenty of charisma. “We thought Dee Dee [Bridgewater] is just a wonderful host,” said Carrington. “She had her own radio show. She hosts many events at the Kennedy Center, and I’ve just seen her improvise when something goes wrong. She’s a true professional in that way.”