Lee Mergner
Editorial Content ProducerFor over 27 years, Lee Mergner served as an editor and publisher of JazzTimes until his resignation in January 2018. Thereafter, Mergner continued to regularly contribute features, profiles and interviews to the publication as a contributing editor for the next 4+ years. JazzTimes, which has won numerous ASCAP-Deems Taylor awards for music journalism, was founded in 1970 and was described by the All Music Guide, as “arguably the finest jazz magazine in the world.”
From 2018 to 2021, Mergner also was a co-organizer of the Jazz Congress in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center, which brought together hundreds of industry professionals to discuss trends, issues and ideas in the international jazz community. Before that, he founded and produced the Jazz Connect Conference from 2012 through 2017, co-produced the Jazz Industry Track at the IAJE conference from 2001 through 2008 and produced the JazzTimes Convention during the ‘90s.
Mergner currently serves as a consultant for Jazz Cruises, which produces numerous jazz and music cruises, including Blue Note at Sea and The Jazz Cruise. And he advises or volunteers with various jazz organizations and events such as Jazz House Kids, Montclair Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz Philadelphia, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired, Exit Zero Jazz Festival and several others. He also contributes interviews and stories to TIDAL magazine.
Mergner appeared regularly as a guest and host on over 100 shows on the Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the BET on Jazz cable channels. He appeared regularly on the radio show "Favorite Things" on WDCU FM in Washington, DC as well as other regional and national radio shows, including Sirius/XM, WCPN, WBGO, Public Radio East, CBC and many more. He has also appeared frequently as a moderator or panelist at several music industry conferences and seminars, including those sponsored by MENC, NAIRD/AFIM, NJSO, IAJE, WAMA, AMA and the New Music Seminar. He created and produced the podcasts JazzTimes Spins & Riffs and Jazz Cruise Conversations.
Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Mergner obtained his BA in Psychology and Math from Dickinson College and an MBA in Marketing from Temple University. He currently resides in Silver Spring, MD and Emerald Isle, NC.
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Noted record executive and producer Don Was explains the concept behind the creation of WasFest, a new music festival he’s curating in Boston in June. -
In celebration of Miles Davis’ birthday on May 26, WBGO’s Lee Mergner offers his choices for the Top Ten recordings by the legendary trumpeter and bandleader, with additional input from our listeners.
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NJPAC announces that the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is open for entries, until September 5, 2023.
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15 high school jazz bands competed at Jazz at Lincoln Center for top prize, as well as more than 35 individual and section awards at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival.
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark announces lineup of fall jazz concerts and events during November 9-21, 2023.
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‘There’s no one way to teach’: Saxophonist Jeff Coffin shares his passion for jazz & music educationWBGO’s Lee Mergner talks with multi-reed player Jeff Coffin about his new album ‘Look for Water,’ touring with Dave Mathews and his dedication to education.
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WBGO’s Lee Mergner talks with author Stephanie Stein Crease about ‘Rhythm Man’—her biography of drummer and bandleader Chick Webb.
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92NY announces lineup for Jazz in July series, curated by Bill Charlap in his final year as artistic director.
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The City Parks Foundation announces the lineup for the 2023 SummerStage series of concerts that include several jazz events, including the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.
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WBGO’s Lee Mergner shares details on new releases coming out specially for Record Store Day on April 22, 2023.
