NEA honors four artists as its 2026 Jazz Masters
The agency’s Los Angeles celebration recognized Rhonda Hamilton, Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen.
Original report: Oct 1, 2026
- The National Endowment for the Arts says its chairman traveled to Los Angeles in September for the celebration.
- Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen could not attend in person, according to the NEA.
The NEA presents the Jazz Masters Fellowship annually, a tradition it says began in 1982.
A little more context
The National Endowment for the Arts says Chairman Carter attended an awards dinner in Los Angeles for its 2026 Jazz Masters. The honorees were broadcaster Rhonda Hamilton and musicians Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen.
According to the agency, Moreira’s daughter, Diana Purim, accepted his award, while musician Hubert Laws represented Rushen. The NEA also said Carter met with local arts organizations at a grants workshop and visited cultural institutions in the city.
Go straight to the source
Every factual claim links back to the reporting. We summarize in our own words.
The story’s history
- Version 1 · 2 hr ago
First verified brief published.
How this brief is grounded
NEA honors four artists as its 2026 Jazz MastersNational Endowment for the Arts
The agency’s Los Angeles celebration recognized Rhonda Hamilton, Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen.National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts says its chairman traveled to Los Angeles in September for the celebration.National Endowment for the Arts
Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen could not attend in person, according to the NEA.National Endowment for the Arts
The NEA presents the Jazz Masters Fellowship annually, a tradition it says began in 1982.National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts says Chairman Carter attended an awards dinner in Los Angeles for its 2026 Jazz Masters.National Endowment for the Arts
The honorees were broadcaster Rhonda Hamilton and musicians Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen.National Endowment for the Arts
According to the agency, Moreira’s daughter, Diana Purim, accepted his award, while musician Hubert Laws represented Rushen.National Endowment for the Arts
The NEA also said Carter met with local arts organizations at a grants workshop and visited cultural institutions in the city.National Endowment for the Arts