Tony Bennett, Tomorrow’s Warriors, Jas Kayser and Courtney Pine among Jazz FM Award Winners

The 2021 Jazz FM Awards, with PPL and PRS for Music, made a full live return with a star-studded ceremony at Under the Bridge in London, honouring some of the biggest artists from across the jazz, soul and blues spectrum as well as recognising new and emerging talents.

Among the evening’s highlights were iconic 95-year-old jazz vocalist Tony Bennett performing a specially recorded version of ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ from his home in New York, in recognition of receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. While Courtney Pine CBE was in attendance to collect The Gold Award, and revered UK education and artist development organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors, who celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, picked up The Impact Award.

Streamed live via Jazz FM’s website, the evening was hosted by UK saxophonist Soweto Kinch and Jazz FM presenter Anne Frankenstein and featured an array of guests and award-givers including Sir Michael Parkinson, who gave a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend Tony Bennett, Nick Hornby, Sadiq Khan, Adil Ray OBE, Danny John-Jules, Robert Elms and Johanna Konta.

The winners are:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Tony Bennett

Gold Award: Courtney Pine CBE

Impact Award: Tomorrow’s Warriors

Jazz Fm Awards 2021 with PPL And PRS for Music:

Album Of The Year: Jon Batiste – We Are

Blues Act Of The Year:  Ruthie Foster

Breakthrough Act Of The Year: Jas Kayser

The Digital Award Sponsored by Raisin UK Kansas Smitty’s

The Innovation Award Sponsored By Mishcon De Reya: EFG London Jazz Festival

Instrumentalist Of The Year: Daniel Casimir

International Jazz Act Of The Year Sponsored By Travelzoo: Gary Bartz

Soul Act Of The Year Sponsored By louisianatravel.com: Jon Batiste

UK Jazz Act Of The Year: Emma-Jean Thackray

Vocalist Of The Year sponsored by Hampstead Jazz Club Presents: Ego Ella May

For full details visit www.jazzfmawards.com