Born in October of 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts, George Wein is a famous jazz promoter and producer known as “the most famous jazz impresario.” His career began while he was studying at Boston University when he led a small group that played professionally around the Boston area. The success of his career sky-rocketed as he opened his own jazz club and record label, both called Storyville, in the 50’s. One of the largest accomplishments to his name was when he founded what is arguably the most well-known jazz festival in the U.S., the Newport Jazz Festival. Wein went on to start festivals in other cities, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Los Angeles’ Playboy Jazz Festival, and the Newport Folk Festival.

Wein has been honored a number of awards for his excellent work with jazz concerts. In 1995 he received the Patron of the Arts Award from the Studio Museum of Harlem, and in 2004 received an Impact Award from the AARP. He also has been honored at the White House by two presidents, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, and in 2005 was named “Jazz Master” by the National Endowment for the Arts.