In 1989, Herb Storfer, Ann Ruckert, Phoebe Jacobs and Dr. Billy Taylor had a simple vision: to create an organization dedicated to preserving the history and future of jazz, and to promote jazz, in all of its shapes and forms, to the public.

In 1990, they wrote to approximately 90 musicians of national prominence, inviting their participation either as active board members or associate board members. Amazingly, 64 offered their support and their assistance as board members. Soon thereafter, a charter and corporate seal were established, officers were elected, and a mission statement was adopted. The Jazz Foundation of America was officially established.
... read more...

In 1989, Herb Storfer, Ann Ruckert, Phoebe Jacobs and Dr. Billy Taylor had a simple vision: to create an organization dedicated to preserving the history and future of jazz, and to promote jazz, in all of its shapes and forms, to the public.

In 1990, they wrote to approximately 90 musicians of national prominence, inviting their participation either as active board members or associate board members. Amazingly, 64 offered their support and their assistance as board members. Soon thereafter, a charter and corporate seal were established, officers were elected, and a mission statement was adopted. The Jazz Foundation of America was officially established.

The Board soon realized that the most pressing need in the jazz community was to establish emergency help for jazz musicians that had fallen on hard times. They formed a committee to explore this problem and to propose solutions. The committee linked up with other organizations with similar objectives in the field of performing arts including The Actors' Fund, Society of Singers, NARAS (MusiCares), and AGVA. Together, they formed a collaborative and began pooling resources. For example, The Actors' Fund provides the JFA with up to nine professional and social service workers to help us with our case work. An ad hoc committee was later created to form a substance abuse program and our Monday night open jam sessions were born. We use this venue to attract and recruit musicians in need of such assistance. Monday jam sessions first began in Manhattan in St. Peter's Church basement and continue to be held today at the Local 802 performing space.

In 1991, a fundraiser was organized. It featured three great jazz pianists, Dick Hyman, George Shearing, and Dorothy Donegan, and artwork for sale from such renowned artists as Jasper Johns, Robert Motherwell, Stuart Davis, and others. The event raised over $65,000. It enabled the JFA to activate the Jazz Musicians' Emergency Fund (JMEF) early in 1992. Since then, the JMEF has been raising funds to help jazz musicians, especially older jazz musicians, in need.

Soon after, a momentous thing happened. When Dizzy Gillespie passed, his last request to his doctor was that any Jazz musician in need of medical care be allowed to come to Englewood Hospital. The Englewood Hospital and Medical Center agreed to an arrangement that would provide needy and qualified jazz musicians with free treatment. Since that time, the hospital has treated more than 150 of our musicians for every kind of medical condition ranging from cancer to hip replacement operations - all at no cost. Thanks to the pro bono work of Dr. Frank Forte and his physicians network, as well as Dr. Bob Litwak of Mt. Sinai and Dr. Ron Tikofsky.

Today, the JFA works tirelessly to establish programs and events dedicated to the betterment of the jazz community. The Jazz Foundation of America is making a significant impact by providing medical, financial, and legal assistance to needy jazz musicians. They continue to assist musicians who call in from everywhere. Meeting the goals, however, is not an easy task. To effectively operate the JMEF requires a minimum annual operating budget in the range of $200,000 - $250,000.