Each year since 1982 the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters program has elevated to its ranks those living artists who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz. The NEA Jazz Master Award is the nation's highest honor in jazz, providing these major artists with a one-time monetary award and fresh opportunities to connect with the public. Awardees are chosen through nominations submitted by the American public. Those nominations are reviewed by a distinguished panel of jazz experts who make their recommendations to the National Council on the Arts and the NEA Chairman for final approval. This CD features music created by a 1983 recipient of this prestigious award: Count Basie.