The Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE) was founded in 1975 by its director, Fred Irby, III. Outstanding performances in the United States, Europe, South and Central America, China, Japan, Africa and the Caribbean have caused it to be recognized as one of the foremost university jazz ensembles in the world. HUJE has been heard on radio and television as well as in concert, often appearing with celebrated artists. Members of the HUJE have won awards as performers, composers/arrangers and the ensemble includes among its alumni many celebrated jazz artists. Additionally, the HUJE was featured during the 1992 (LionelHampton), 1996 (Benny Carter) and 2005 (Tony Bennett) Kennedy Center Honors Gala (CBS-TV). Beginning in 1996, the HUJE has presented semi-annual concerts on campus honoring the legacy of Howard University alumnus and 1995 NEA Jazz Master Dr. Benny Golson. The Benny Golson Jazz Master Award has been presented to seventy one (71) artists and institutions in honor of their legacy in Jazz. The HUJE has released 44 recordings in a distinguished series that began in 1976. To learn more about HUJE, please visit our web site at www.huje.org.
