Terence Blanchard

Terence Blanchard (b. March 13, 1962, New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American jazz musician and composer. He has been one of the top trumpet players in jazz since the 1980s, and has worked with some of the legends of the genre. He rose to prominence through his association with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1982-1986. He has also played with Lionel Hampton and was the co-leader of a group with Donald Harrison for many years. He also appeared on the soundtracks of several Spike Lee films and appears in Lee's 2006 Hurricane Katrina documentary, When the Levees Broke for which he also wrote the original score. Blanchard has recorded as a leader for Columbia Records and Blue Note Records. He is known for his african-fusion style of playing which makes him unique from other trumpet players from his generation such as Wynton Marsalis.