JAZZ AWARD - An Acknowledgement by Johnny Case

The news was totally unexpected, and an exciting surprise when in February 2020 I heard from pianist/musical director Arlington Jones (Sammons Jazz) that I had been chosen to be among the recipients of this year's annual awards presented by D'JAM (Dallas Jazz Appreciation Month). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the April 4 D'JAM Open House, where award presentations would occur, had to be postponed and eventually cancelled. In early September, the Dallas Jazz Appreciation Committee, with help from Arlington Jones, graciously made certain that I would take possession of this beautiful, distinctive award. It features a striking, modernist three-dimensional artwork of dark blue glass ascending above an elegant base. Upon the nameplate this description - D'JAM 2020 Jazz Legend Award - precedes my name and category (Musician).

I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this beautiful award and I wish to thank the D'JAM Committee members, Arlington Jones and Sammons Center for the Arts for their dedication to America's native art form and its active, living representation in our north Texas communities. A virtual "Zoom" version of the D'JAM Awards Ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.  Recipients in other categories for 2020 are: John Murphy (Educator); Chuck Mandernach (Supporter) and Caleb McCampbell (Innovator). For more information on Dallas Jazz Appreciation Month and a list of previous Jazz Legend Award recipients, please see D'Jam at the website JazzDallas.com - maintained by Sammons Center for the Arts.