Shirley Horn Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

On July 28, the Atlanta International Jazz Society (AIJS) presented its annual Lifetime Achievement award to vocalist/pianist Shirley Horn (pictured left) for her continued service to the jazz community. The ceremony took place at Yoshi’s Jazzhouse in Oakland, Calif., on the final night of Horn’s four-day singing engagement at the club. Also honored with 2001 Lifetime Achievement awards were pianist Oscar Peterson, vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and saxophonist Sonny Rollins. Previous award recipients include Herbie Hancock, Jackie McLean, Joe Henderson and Billy Higgins.

The AIJS also presented Horn with an original lithograph portrait of Miles Davis. “Horn’s mentor Miles Davis is a large part of her music history and I felt this gift would be really special for Shirley,” commented Melanie Williams, AIJS West Coast Director.

Bay Area mayors Willie Brown and Jerry Brown were on hand to proclaim July 25-28 “Shirley Horn Days,” Aug. 28-Sept. 2 “Oscar Peterson Days” and Sept. 5-Sept. 9 “Dee Dee Bridgewater Days.”

Originally Published August 10, 2001