YEAR-END LOVE LETTERS FROM MUSICIANS YOU’VE HELPED: THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

What a year it has been – one few of us could ever have imagined and none will ever forget. But through the darkest days, the sadness, fear, uncertainty and losses, you have been there to help change lives and bring relief and hope to jazz, blues and roots musicians all across the nation.

Your generous heart has allowed the Jazz Foundation to expand our life-saving services far and wide and in ways we had not experienced in all of our previous 31 years. Never before has providing assistance in a personalized, compassionate and loving manner been as meaningful or as necessary.

We want to THANK YOU for your kindness, and would like to share some of the many notes we have received from musicians to whom you’ve provided a lifeline. Your emergency financial support has helped avert homelessness, purchased groceries and medicines, paid utility bills, and even brought some holiday cheer with the delivery of a hot meal to the homebound, to musicians with young children, and to those living in isolation for nearly 10 months.Your gifts also allowed us to widen the scope of our services during the pandemic and provide support to those whose life and livelihood depends upon being a musician, regardless of age.

And as we close out the year, we want to especially thank all the MUSICIANS who continue to hold their heads up high and smile, though their hearts may be breaking. Through the most challenging months ever, they are the ones who continually step out on faith and remind the rest of us that we will get through this together. They are the ones who have kept hope alive by continuing to create music and support one another artistically and however else they can. And as artists, they are the ones who will continue to be a beacon of light to the world and help us all move through these extraordinary times.

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Today the first part of the miracle you brought to my life arrived, and is infinitely more than just money. Today you returned to me some things of mine that were taken from me, and which I had begun to believe might never be returned—my dignity and reputation, and my sense of identity and relevance as an artist. Thank you again, and I’m sure my landlord will advise me when he has the rent check. Today because of your compassion and soul, I remember who I am—you saved my life.
Los Angeles, CA

I am so humbled with the goodwill of you and others that I don’t even know! Please give my gratitude and appreciation to all involved with this endeavor!
Chicago, IL

I came home yesterday after a week of medical appointments, tired, feeling unwell and with a lot of questions running through my mind. “How’m I gonna do this or that?” You know. Then I opened my mailbox and found a check from the Jazz Foundation. Not only did it immediately answer one of my “how” questions, it reminded me that there are such lovely people in the world—in spite of all the ugly that’s out there. It reminded me that there are folks committed to acting on their kind impulses to do the work of helping others. Thank you so much.
Lexington, KY

Thank you for helping us. We can’t tell you how much it means—especially to have the personal call and the chance to talk to someone who really cares about us…the money is a real help. It’s hard with everything going on to remember that there are people that value musicians and don’t just expect to stream our music for free. It’s utterly depressing when years of work result in a royalty check for $36 dollars despite having 1.5 million hits online. If there is any volunteering I can do with your organization by way of thanks I would be happy to do so. But mostly thank you again.
Brooklyn, NY

Honestly I was looking to see what I could pawn, then the postman arrives with an unexpected check. I love all of you, I really do. You are my family for life.
Baton Rouge, LA

I just wanted to let you know that I received the unexpected love offering from the foundation yesterday and how much it means to me to KNOW… that your life & your life’s work matter and despite all the negatives in the world someone cares and it ain’t over yet and I fully expect to contribute more happiness & joy to the world before the sun sets!
Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your support. The Jazz Foundation of America plays a crucial role in safeguarding the legacy and heritage of jazz. Thanks to this generous grant, I am able to take meaningful steps towards financial recovery. As a member of the jazz community, which holds great history for community, innovation and philanthropic works to preserve culture and make accessible its rich resources, I greatly appreciate your support.
Philadelphia, PA

I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to say thank you very much for all the ways that you had helped me throughout the years. I would not know what to do without you guys. I’ve seen you help the greatest contributors to music, especially American jazz. I really can’t put it into words, but thank you very much.
New York, NY

I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to you for helping jazz musicians with your Covid-19 relief fund. I hope all of us musicians can get back to work soon but things are really uncertain now and I really appreciate that you’re helping us. It’s a scary time, but I take heart in knowing that there are other people that are going through a similar situation, and that there is an organization that is helping us.
Los Angeles, CA

Wow! All on it. U guys are a blessing to me & 100s more. I was past my last, a week of having nothing before y’all sent a check in time to save me a trip to the pawn shop. I can imagine so many fellow musicians aren’t so well. I am thankful u guys were able to help when u did. I am one of many people that didn’t get a stimulus check, and no work yet. Just don’t know anymore but keeping my head & keeping my faith. Thank you all. My prayers are out to you & your families…ONE LOVE.

New Orleans, LA

A jazz musician’s reward is being able to play music as an expression of his inner self in tribute to those who came before and those who will come after. Your token of gratitude makes that possible even during these difficult times.
Virgin Islands

Thank you so much for your help and consideration. I am honored and words don’t cover it. I’m so grateful. You just put a roof over my head for another 2 weeks. That means everything to me, because every waking hour of my day is another precious hour to rescue myself and move forward….on the street it’s impossible.
Los Angeles, CA

You supported me when I couldn’t even pay for my own husband’s funeral. Thank you.
Camden, NJ

You could not imagine the significance of your kindness, compassion, and humanity during this period of my life. My soul wears a smile as wide as the Altantic Ocean.
Drummer, Bronx, NY

Thank you so much for bringing a glimmer of hope to a very dark time.
Los Angeles, CA