The Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdes has been appointed as Jazz Master 2025 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The recognition, one of the highest honors in the jazz world, highlights Chucho’s exceptional artistic contribution throughout his career.
“The National Endowment for the Arts and the Kennedy Center are beyond excited to announce the 2025 @NEAarts Jazz Masters: Chucho Valdés, Gary Giddins, Marilyn Crispell, and Marshall Allen,” reads the announcement posted on social media two days ago.
Along with Valdés, who Last October he turned 82 years old– Pianist Marilyn Crispell, saxophonist Marshall Allen and jazz critic Gary Giddins have also been named 2025 Jazz Masters. The ceremony will take place on April 26, 2025, at the Kennedy Center, where an annual tribute concert will be held.
In a video posted a few hours ago on social media, Chucho confessed to being excited and grateful for the new recognition, which adds to many others he has received throughout his virtuous career.
“I am happy and grateful to be a @neaarts 2025, the highest honor for a Jazz musician in the USA,” he said in the post, which has sparked congratulations from colleagues and fans around the world.
“I want to thank the Kennedy Center because I received the NEA Jazz Master. It is the highest recognition that the American nation gives to a musician,” he can be heard saying in the video, where he did not miss the opportunity to “also congratulate other artists who have received it.” “I am super happy, super grateful and more music,” he added.
Chucho Valdés, son of the legendary pianist Bebo Valdés, has left an indelible mark on music with his innovative style and his ability to fuse jazz with elements of Cuban music.
Throughout his career, Chucho has been awarded numerous prizes, including seven Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards. In addition, he has been recognized with Latin Grammy Award for Musical Excellence in 2018and was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame that same year.
His prolific career highlights not only his virtuosity as a pianist but also his role as a cultural ambassador, bringing the richness of Cuban music to international audiences and his influence on musicians around the world.
