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The Gilmore's inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award goes to Brooklyn-based pianist Sullivan Fortner

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Sullivan Fortner performs for the first time as a Bell Artist at The Jerome L. Greene Space in New York City
Melanie Mor
Sullivan Fortner performs for the first time as a Bell Artist at The Jerome L. Greene Space in New York City

On this episode of The Art of the Story, Brooklyn-based pianist Sullivan Fortner reacts to receiving The Gilmore's inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award.

Sullivan Fortner with the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award on October 8, 2025
Melanie Mor
Sullivan Fortner with the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award on October 8, 2025

One of the most prestigious honors in music, the Award was announced at a special ceremony held October 8, 2025, at The Jerome L. Greene Space in New York City.

Sullivan Fortner (fourth from left) enjoys his Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award with The Gilmore's Jazz Artistic Advisory Committee at The Jerome L. Greene Space in New York City on October 8, 2025
Sullivan Fortner (

Marking the largest single gift ever dedicated solely to a jazz artist, Fortner receives $300,000 in support of his musical and career goals over the next four years.

You can SEE the entire ceremony hosted by WBGO announcer Paul Cavalconte below:

Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998. Since then, Doug and his news staff have received more than 300 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.