2016 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Al Jarreau
Grammy Award Winning Vocalist
Wisconsin Foundation for School Music remembers our great friend Al Jarreau, who was the fourth-ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Al brought beauty to life through his music while providing inspiration and hope to young people around the world. He believed strongly in keeping music and arts opportunities alive for children everywhere. While we are deeply saddened of Al’s passing, we are incredibly honored that Al believed so much in our cause to choose our foundation as a beneficiary of gifts in his name.
Al Jarreau’s unique vocal style is one of the world’s most precious treasures. His innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically-acclaimed performers of our time with seven Grammy® Awards, scores of international music awards and popular accolades worldwide.
Milwaukee-born and raised, Al Jarreau was internationally acclaimed for his ability to sing many styles, his scat singing and his talent of taking on the character of guitar and percussion, all with his versatile and soulful voice. Jarreau topped the music sales charts with more than 20 albums. He was the only vocalist in history to have Grammy Awards in the 3 categories of jazz, pop, and R&B. Jarreau’s Grammy earnings total seven, along with a nomination for the theme song from the ever-popular TV show, Moonlighting. Al Jarreau toured the world and delighted audiences, while also tirelessly working to promote the importance of keeping music and arts opportunities alive for children everywhere!
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Al Jarreau on October 8, 2016 in the Grand Ballroom at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The evening featured student performers from Lincoln Center for the Arts, Milwaukee High School for the Arts and other professional performers. Speakers included the Mayor of Milwaukee, friends and colleagues of Al Jarreau and more. The event was taped by Wisconsin Public Television as part of a documentary on Al Jarreau’s life coming out at a future date. The following commemorative video was presented as a special tribute during the Lifetime Achievement Award event.
Thank you to our donors and sponsors for this event!
Thank you to the companies that hosted a corporate table at our event: BestEd Business, Hal Leonard Corporation, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, Marcus Hotels & Resorts and Wisconsin Public Television.
Al Jarreau Endowment Fund
You can help us establish the Al Jarreau Endowment Fund, which will provide financial support for Milwaukee Public Schools students to participate in statewide music programs offered by Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). These programs include Distract and State Solo & Ensemble, Concert Festivals, the State Marching Band Championships, the State Honors Music Project, and more!
“The Al Jarreau Endowment will provide more musical opportunities for MPS students. At MPS, our vision is to ensure all students have access to high-quality arts experiences. We are honored Al Jarred believes in the students of Milwaukee Public Schools and this endowment in his honor will ensure students are able to participate in WSMA programs for years to come.” – Anthony Soyak, Milwaukee Public School Distract Music Curriculum Specialist
Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) is proud to establish the Al Jarreau Endowment Fund! These funds will be utilized each year to provide tuition assistance for the students of Milwaukee Public Schools. In addition, these funds will be available to help with transportation and other expenses that make participating in WSMA programs difficult for some students.
Donate to the Al Jarreau Endowment Fund today! Cash or check can be mailed to Wisconsin Foundation for School Music at the following address:
1005 Quinn Drive
Waunakee, WI
53597
Donations can also be made online here. Thank you for your support!