The Jazz Messengers were a jazz combo that existed for over thirty-five years beginning in the early 1950s as a collective, and ending when long-time leader and founding drummer Art Blakey died in 1990.

Blakey led or co-led the group from the outset. "Art Blakey" and "Jazz Messengers" became synonymous over the years. The group evolved into a proving ground for young jazz talent. ... more