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The accomplished musicians in question are brothers Wynton Learson Marsalis and Branford Marsalis, both hailing from a profoundly musical lineage in New Orleans. Wynton, born in 1961, is celebrated as a preeminent jazz trumpeter and composer. He has served as the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, a role he has held since its inception (Review), guiding its programming and educational initiatives. His illustrious career includes nine Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first jazz artist to achieve this prestigious honor.
His older brother, Branford Marsalis, born in 1960, is a highly respected saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for his versatility across jazz and classical genres. Beyond his acclaimed work with his own quartet and as a classical soloist with major orchestras, Branford also gained widespread recognition as the director of The Tonight Show Band from 1992 to 1995. He has also ventured into acting and composed for film and Broadway, earning multiple Grammy Awards, as well as Emmy and Tony nominations.
Their musical talents are deeply rooted in their family, often referred to as "the first family of jazz." Their father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., was a legendary jazz pianist and educator who profoundly influenced countless musicians, including his own sons. In addition to Wynton and Branford, their brothers Delfeayo, a trombonist, and Jason, a drummer, are also distinguished jazz musicians, contributing significantly to the rich legacy of American music.
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