National Endowment for the Arts  
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National Endowment for the Arts mourns passing of
NEA Jazz Master Jackie McLean

April 3, 2006

Photo of Jackie Mclean  

Photo by Tom Pich
January 2004

Washington, D.C. – NEA Chairman Dana Gioia released the following statement upon the death of NEA Jazz Master Jackie McLean.

"For more than half a century, Jackie McLean infused American jazz with his unique intensity and creativity. As both saxophonist and composer he took the art in new directions and brought audiences along for an exciting ride. As an educator, he made sure that new generations of jazz musicians would continue that journey. We're honored to have recognized his greatness with an NEA Jazz Masters award."

Known in the jazz community as "Jackie Mac," Jackie McLean was an enduring force in jazz and received his NEA Jazz Master award in 2001.


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