Ellis Marsalis

Victoria Rowell, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, and Delfeayo Marsalis form the illustrious first family of jazz. From their beginnings in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, they have gone on to redefine the genre with their unique and iconic styles. Victoria is an award-winning actress, international lecturer, and teacher, acclaimed for her advocacy work on behalf of education, arts, foster and adoptive youth and parents, and diversity issues. Her New York Times bestseller, The Women Who Raised Me, has earned her much literary acclaim, and she enjoys a book deal with Simon & Schuster for her popular soap opera novel series. Wynton is the pre-eminent jazz artist of our time, celebrated for his trumpet performances and his work as a music educator and promoter of jazz history and culture. He is an established artist in performing trumpet in both jazz and classical music, and is a leader in civic matters. Branford is an acclaimed saxophonist and iconoclast, collaborating with some of the greatest musicians in the industry, and is the former bandleader for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Delfeayo is an accomplished actor, known for his appearances in films such as Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, When We First Met, and Rosewood. Together, these four members of the first family of jazz are an exemplary example of excellence and artistry.