Celebrating five decades of innovation, Carmen Lundy joins three other legendary artists named as recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship. This prestigious award recognizes her groundbreaking contributions as a vocalist, composer, and arranger shaping the future of jazz while preserving America’s rich musical heritage.

In response to the honor, Carmen said: “I would like to thank the NEA for this meaningful recognition. My life’s work is a sum of many parts. Throughout my 50 plus years as a jazz musician I have been shown the world through this music and feel proud to be an American ambassador to this original art form. I’m truly grateful to be standing on the shoulders of the teachers, the ancestors, the veteran musicians and singers who have come before me and helped shape the beautiful, rich sounds and stories revealing the infinite possibilities and power in the art of creating great jazz music.”

The NEA will honor the 2026 Jazz Masters at a free concert on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and streamed online. More information, including how to reserve tickets, will be available in early 2026.