Nathan Davis, professor emeritus of music at the University of Pittsburgh, received the BNY Mellon Jazz 2013 Living Legacy Award at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The award honors jazz masters who have achieved distinction in jazz performance and education.
Jim McDonald, managing director of global philanthropy and employees programs for BNY Mellon, stated, “Nathan’s world-renowned talent and his steadfast and uncompromising commitment to jazz education are truly remarkable.”
Dr Davis began teaching at the University of Pittsburgh in 1969 and was named professor emeritus this past summer. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas and holds a Ph.D in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University. He is the author of Writings in Jazz, now in its sixth edition.