Willard Jenkins

Awarded: 2024
Born: Pittsburgh, PA

"There is something undeniably majestic and magical about Willard Jenkins.”

- Fiona Ross, Jazz in Europe

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Willard Jenkins has been a leading voice and advocate for jazz for almost 50 years. He is a celebrated and awarded writer, broadcaster, educator, historian, fundraiser, artistic director and arts consultant.

A jazz fan since his childhood in Cleveland, Willard began writing about jazz for Kent State University’s black student newspaper. His professional career began at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where his contributions found their way to regional, national and international publications.

In 1977 he founded the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society as a concert presenter. Over the span of his career Willard has served as the artistic director of several nationally prominent jazz festivals, including nine years leading the Tri-C JazzFest.

Willard is committed to sharing the stories penned by music writers of color. His groundbreaking book, “Ain’t But a Few of Us” chronicles the jazz experience from their perspective.