Articles: "Charlie Haden's NEA Jazz Masters Award Speech"

Charlie Haden's NEA Jazz Masters Award Speech

NEA = National Endowment for the Arts


For those who may have missed Charlie’s NEA Jazz Masters Award thank you speech in January, here it is:

“THANK-YOU NEA FOR THIS WONDERFUL AWARD. I’M DEEPLY HONORED.

I’VE ALWAYS FELT VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN BORN IN THIS COUNTRY SURROUNDED BY THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC THAT CAME FROM THE APPALACHIAN AND OZARK MOUNTAINS WHERE I WAS BORN.

Jazz in Films» "Rambling Boy": A documentary film about "Charlie Haden"

"Rambling Boy"

Produced by piXiu films and helmed by award-winning director Reto Caduff, the feature legth documentary “Charlie Haden” presents the life and work of the fascinating american musician, bandleader, composer, producer, educator, political activist and family man Charlie Haden.

Throughout his career, Haden has constantly sought to transcend the boundaries of modern music. Widely considered to be among the greatest ever jazz bassists, Haden has contributed pivotal music to a stunning scope of genres: avant-garde, small group, big band, world music, folk and gospel, to name but a few.

Haden’s deep resonance and rich melodicism helped Ornette Coleman introduce free jazz in the ’60s. And it is his collaboration with Coleman that has put Haden on the map ever since. In a career spanning five decades by now, Haden continues to create music that is at once revolutionary and uplifting. 

Interviews» Charlie Haden: A Moment Of Clarity, by NPR STAFF

January 15, 2012 - RACHEL MARTIN
Charlie Haden is a legend in jazz music. He started as a singer on his family's country radio show when he was just 2 years old. After losing his voice to polio as a teenager, he found a new voice by picking up the bass. That decision launched a career that spans jazz, country and gospel music. ~www.npr.org

Transcription of this interview » ~www.npr.org