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Nicholas Payton

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description Nicholas Payton Overview

Nicholas Payton is an American trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist from New Orleans who is celebrated for his contributions to jazz and blues. He gained early recognition as a virtuoso trumpeter, winning a Grammy Award in 1997 for his collaboration with veteran trumpeter Doc Cheatham on the album 'Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton'. Payton has also been an outspoken advocate for the genre, coining the term 'Black American Music' (BAM) to describe the historical and cultural roots of the music he creates.

help Nicholas Payton FAQ

What Grammy did Nicholas Payton win?

Nicholas Payton won a Grammy Award in 1997 for his collaboration with veteran trumpeter Doc Cheatham on the album Stardust. He received the award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, which brought him wide recognition early in his career.

What is Nicholas Payton's #BAM concept?

Payton coined the term #BAM, standing for Black American Music, as a proposed replacement for the word 'jazz.' He has argued since around 2011 that the label 'jazz' is reductive and that the music should be recognized as a broader Black American art form.

Is Nicholas Payton from New Orleans?

Yes, Payton was born and raised in New Orleans and comes from a musical family — his father, Walter Payton, was a bassist. He emerged as part of a new generation of New Orleans trumpet players carrying forward the city's brass tradition.

What instruments does Nicholas Payton play besides trumpet?

Payton is a multi-instrumentalist who also plays piano and other instruments. In live performances and recordings he has frequently alternated between trumpet and keyboards, particularly on his more experimental and self-produced albums.