George Wein – 2015
George began presenting the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954 and followed with the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. They became annual traditions and he is credited with putting Rhode Island on the map as an entertainment and cultural destination for international travelers.
In 1954, philanthropists Louis and Elaine Lorillard invited pianist and club owner George Wein to Newport. What resulted was the Newport Jazz Festival for which Louis Lorillard provided a $20,000 grant. The successful event was the first outdoor jazz festival in the United States. The Newport Jazz Festival became an annual tradition and put Rhode Island on the map as an entertainment and cultural destination for international travelers.
In 1959, he also began presenting the Newport Folk Festival. He is credited with keeping folk, country, bluegrass and blues traditions alive by providing, for many of the performers, their return to the stage after years of waning interest. The Newport Folk Festival also created a launching pad for future stars including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, The Kingston Trio, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Arlo Guthrie. Mr. Wein later founded the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and pioneered the idea of sponsor association with music events. Wein has been honored by heads of state, educational institutions and leading publications. He is proud to be receiving a Grammy Trustee award on February 7th, 2015.