What Makes a San Diego Jazz Party Musician a Legend, and What Does it Mean?

A legend is someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression on others. A legend touches lives and is remembered and cherished. There are all kinds of legends in this world, and our Jazz Party Legends have earned the greatest respect for their talents and contributions to the field of jazz.

Becoming a true legend means finding your particular gift, your calling, then following it and impacting others around you. The musicians chosen by the Board of the San Diego Jazz Party have achieved Legend status, not only by their incredible talents, but also their passion.

We thank them for continuing to share their gifts with appreciative audiences. San Diego Jazz Party Legends are recognized at our annual Jazz Party. It is a prestigious honor to be selected as a Jazz Party Legend.

  • 2023 - Ken Peplowski
  • 2022 - Chuck Redd
  • 2022 - Dan Reid (1939-2020)
  • 2022 - Dave Cooper (1933-2020)
  • 2020 - Richard Simon
  • 2019 – Eddie Metz Jr.
  • 2018 – Dan Barrett
  • 2017 – Eddie Erikson
  • 2016 – Rebecca Kilgore
  • 2015 – Butch Miles
  • 2014 - Mundell Lowe (1922-2017)
  • 2013 – Johnny Varro
  • 2012 – Houston Person
  • 2011 – Bucky Pizzarelli
  • 2010 - Jake Hanna (1931-2010)
  • 2009 – Ed Polcer
  • 2008 – Dick Hyman
  • 2007 - Jeannie & Jimmy Cheatham (Jimmy 1924-2007)
  • 2006 - Joe Wilder (1922-2014)
  • 2005 - Barney Kessel (1923-2004)