Esteemed musician, composer and educator Regina Carter is arguably the most prominent living jazz violinist. After first gaining attention in the late ‘80s with the all-woman quintet Straight Ahead, she embarked on a remarkable solo career in 1991 that has found her tackling bop and swing, classical melodies and traditional African folk songs, the blues and pop music at different points – all with her signature earthy tone, and deeply inventive approach to improvisation.

Carter’s talent and musical wanderlust have earned her a MacArthur “Genius” Grant, a Doris Duke Artist Award, three Grammy nominations and the 2009 ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award, among many accolades.

And now another huge milestone for a career already full of them: in an April 1, 2023 ceremony and tribute concert held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Carter was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master – one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon jazz musicians.

Congratulations to our member Regina Carter on this incredible honor! Many more to come.

Watch Regina’s segment of the NEA Jazz Masters tribute concert