Branford Marsalis (brother of Wynton Marsalis) was born on August 26, 1960. He was known for his expertise on the alto and baritone saxophone until 1981 with the formation of his brother Wynton’s first quintet, when Bradford shifted his emphasis to soprano and tenor saxophones. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.

Branford has had fun with his music. In 1985, he joined Sting, singer and bassist of pop band The Police, on his first solo project, The Dream of the Blue Turtles He became a regular in Sting’s line-up both in the studio and live up until the release of Brand New Day in 1999. In 1988, Marsalis co-starred in the Spike Lee film School Daze, also rendering several horn-blowing interludes for the music in the film. His witty comments have pegged him to many memorable one-liners in the film. From 1992 to 1995, Branford was the leader of The Tonight Show Band on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Then he performed the Star Spangled Banner on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC.

On March 26, 2013, Branford received the degree of Doctor of Arts Leadership, honoris causa from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Branford won the 2015 ECHO Jazz Award for Saxophone/Woodwinds International Instrumentalist of the Year for his performance on In My Solitude: Live at Grace Cathedral. Bradford has been prolific with his music and continues to play his famous sounding music we all love to hear.