Stars shine at the inaugural Jazz FM Awards in London

The awards, which were sponsored by US audio company Klipsch, were created to celebrate jazz musicians, composers and contributors from across the globe and “recognise and commend those who have made exceptional contributions to the jazz industry during the preceding 12 months.” 

 

Attending the awards were Jazz legends Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal, both of whom accepted awards. Ramsey Lewis accepted the Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution to Jazz, before treating guests to a performance. 

 

American jazz pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal brought the awards to a close and was also joined onstage by singer Jamie Cullum, who added his distinctive vocals. Jamal, whose innovations influenced the young Miles Davis was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award 

 

In the latest radio listening survey (RAJAR) results, Jazz FM has reported its highest ever total hours of 3 million; an increase of 57% year on year. The station has also reported its highest hours per listener, with 5.8 in London and 4.9 nationally. To see more RAJAR analysis click here.

 

Director of Sales, Jo Coltman said, “It’s great to see our audience growing both in terms of weekday listeners and total hours. It’s an exciting time at the station for advertisers, as we continue to roll out new ventures across the Jazz FM brand. Today, we will host the first ever Jazz FM Awards, featuring stars Jamie Cullum and Ramsey Lewis amongst others, and we are also busy preparing for Love Supreme – a three-day jazz festival taking place this summer.”

 

View the full list of Jazz FM winners here.