Branford Marsalis
Quick Summary
Branford Marsalis is an American jazz musician, born August 26, 1960. He is a prominent saxophonist, bandleader, and composer who has significantly impacted jazz in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Marsalis is part of the renowned Marsalis family, often called the "first family of jazz," which includes his father, Ellis Marsalis, and his brothers Wynton, Delfeayo, and Jason, all accomplished musicians.12
Marsalis studied saxophone and continued his education at various institutions, including Berklee College of Music. He gained early experience playing with jazz legends and later joined his brother Wynton in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Marsalis has led his own musical groups, explored contemporary music, and even served as the musical director for The Tonight Show. He also founded his own record label, Marsalis Music.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Angélique Kidjo
âŠfeatured the American jazz musician Branford Marsalis and the African artists Manu Dibango and Ray Lema. With songs addressing issues of global concernâsuch as homelessness, the environment, freedom, and integrationâLogozo was an international success. Kidjo increased her international appeal through her later releases, including Fifa (1995), in which she andâŠ
Read MoreâŠfeatured the American jazz musician Branford Marsalis and the African artists Manu Dibango and Ray Lema. With songs addressing issues of global concernâsuch as homelessness, the environment, freedom, and integrationâLogozo was an international success. Kidjo increased her international appeal through her later releases, including Fifa (1995), in which she andâŠ
Read More 
StingSolo careerâŠincluded collaborations with jazz musician Branford Marsalis and continued to show the musical versatility that Sting had introduced with the Police. Stingâs next album, âŠNothing like the Sun (1987; the title is a nod to Shakespeare), included collaborations with Eric Clapton and with former bandmate Summers and hits such asâŠ
Read MoreâŠincluded collaborations with jazz musician Branford Marsalis and continued to show the musical versatility that Sting had introduced with the Police. Stingâs next album, âŠNothing like the Sun (1987; the title is a nod to Shakespeare), included collaborations with Eric Clapton and with former bandmate Summers and hits such asâŠ
Read More