esperanza spalding

2021 Recipient of the Richard Brettell Award in the Arts

Four-time Grammy winner and jazz bassist, singer, songwriter and composer esperanza spalding is the 2021 recipient of the Richard Brettell Award in the Arts at The University of Texas at Dallas

Called “the 21st century’s jazz genius” by National Public Radio, spalding has won four Grammy Awards, including best new artist in 2011 — she was the first jazz artist to win that award, beating fellow nominees Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, and Mumford & Sons. spalding’s latest album, “Songwrights Apothecary Lab,” recently was nominated for a 2022 Grammy award for best jazz vocal album.

spalding has toured and performed with jazz and pop legends, and played for former President Barack Obama three times. In 2009, she performed at his Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and concert at his request.

“esperanza spalding was an inspired choice for the Brettell Award…she is globally recognized as a jazz visionary, bringing diversity, imagination and excellence to the music world.”

Dr. Inga Musselman

spalding serves as a professor of the practice of music at Harvard University, where she leads the Sonic Healing Lab. Her lab brings together musicians and medical researchers to inform positive health outcomes and provides a structure for the development of community-focused performance methodologies.

spalding has released eight studio albums since 2006. She and her mentor, composer Wayne Shorter, recently completed a multiyear project to write the new opera “Iphigenia,” which began a run of performances this month in Boston, with other performances scheduled in Washington, D.C., and California.

Dr. Nils Roemer, interim dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication, said the selection committee — composed of arts leaders from UT Dallas and the community, including the CEOs of the Dallas Symphony and the Dallas Opera — was impressed by how much spalding, who is 37, has accomplished so early in her career.

“esperanza already has a reputation as a jazz visionary…she is so creative, pushing boundaries and taking chances.”

Dr. Nils Roemer

The 2021 Brettell Award is the first one to be given since the death of its namesake in July 2020. The founding director of UT Dallas’ Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History, Brettell had been heavily involved in selecting the 2017 and 2019 honorees.

“With his extensive involvement in the global arts community, Rick knew who was making an impact in the world — who was touching lives and making a difference,” Dr. Inga Musselman said. “I think he would be pleased with this year’s choice.”

The award includes a $150,000 prize and will provide an opportunity for the campus community to meet and talk with the musician during a three-day residency. As part of her Dallas visit, spalding joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in a special concert.