Jason Moran

Date of Birth: January 21, 1975

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Jason Moran is an acclaimed American jazz pianist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to contemporary jazz. Born in Houston, Texas, Moran has been a leading figure in the modern jazz scene, known for his innovative approach to music that blends traditional jazz with other genres and contemporary sounds. He began playing the piano at the age of six and later studied at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He further honed his skills at the Manhattan School of Music under the guidance of renowned pianist Jaki Byard. Moran gained widespread recognition with the release of his debut album “Soundtrack to Human Motion” in 1999, which received critical acclaim for its originality and technical prowess. Over the years, he has released several influential albums, including “Black Stars” featuring saxophonist Sam Rivers, and “Ten,” which celebrated a decade with his band, The Bandwagon. In addition to his recording career, Moran has been involved in various multidisciplinary projects, collaborating with visual artists, filmmakers, and dancers. He has served as the Artistic Director for Jazz at the Kennedy Center and has been a prominent advocate for arts education. His contributions to music and culture have earned him numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 2010.

5 Interesting Facts about Jason Moran

1. Jason Moran was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship “Genius Grant” in 2010.

2. He has been the Artistic Director for Jazz at the Kennedy Center since 2014.

3. Moran has collaborated with renowned artists such as Charles Lloyd, Cassandra Wilson, and Joan Jonas.

4. His album “Black Stars” featured the legendary saxophonist Sam Rivers and was named one of the best jazz albums of 2001 by multiple publications.

5. Moran’s work often explores the intersection of jazz with visual art, as seen in his project “In My Mind: Monk at Town Hall, 1959,” which reimagines Thelonious Monk’s historic concert.