Branford Marsalis (born 1960 in New Orleans) is an American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who has shaped jazz for over four decades. He leads the Branford Marsalis Quartet - formed in 1986 and still active with the same core lineup - and has won three Grammy Awards, earned an NEA Jazz Master citation, and composed film scores for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and the Bayard Rustin biopic Rustin. Beyond jazz, he regularly performs as a classical soloist with major orchestras and spent three years as bandleader of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Belonging was nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The Branford Marsalis Quartet released Belonging on Blue Note Records on March 28, 2025 - the quartet's first new album since 2019.
Branford Marsalis signed to Blue Note Records, marking his first major-label move in years.
Marsalis was appointed Artistic Director of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans, the community music center he co-founded after Hurricane Katrina.
Marsalis was named Wake Forest University's 2025 Maya Angelou Artist-in-Residence.
Marcin Kydryński presents a jazz concert featuring Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves, a tribute to John Coltrane on the centennial of his birth.
Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves pay homage to jazz legend John Coltrane in an exceptional concert.
Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves pay tribute to John Coltrane with a special jazz concert at Alte Oper Frankfurt.
Branford Marsalis, one of the greatest saxophonists of our time, performs at Tonhalle Düsseldorf.
Branford Marsalis, one of the greatest saxophonists of our time, performs at the prestigious Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.