Brandee Younger wins prestigious Doris Duke Artist Award
- Lara Downes and Brandee Younger discuss the influence of female lineage in music, emphasizing figures like Marian Anderson and Florence Price.
- Brandee Younger honors her predecessors, including Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, in her innovative approach to jazz harp.
- Her dedication to her craft was recognized when she received the 2025 Doris Duke Artist Award, highlighting her impact on modern music.
In the United States, Lara Downes held a significant conversation with jazz harpist Brandee Younger, reflecting on the powerful heritage of female lineage in jazz and classical music. The discussion came after Downes performed a Piano Concerto by the pioneering African-American composer Florence Price, showcasing the contributions of unsung female artists, particularly focusing on iconic figures such as Marian Anderson. The historical significance of jazz harp, traced back to the 1920s with innovator Carlena Diamond, was explored, highlighting contributions from Black women like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, who strived to elevate the harp's role and challenge musical boundaries. Brandee Younger has notably embraced these influences, carving out her unique sound that blends Afrofuturism with traditional elements. Her recent album, 'Gadabout Season,' features innovative electronic textures, further establishing her as a revolutionary artist who received the prestigious 2025 Doris Duke Artist Award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to music and the harp's evolution in modern contexts. This acknowledgment not only celebrates her artistic achievements but also reinforces the vital legacy of female musicians in shaping the modern music landscape.