Wynton Marsalis (born October 18, 1961) is an American trumpeter and composer.
He is among the most prominent jazz musicians of the modern era, and by far the best-known African-American instrumentalist in classical music. Since the 1980s, Marsalis is often credited as a major force in repopularizing jazz.
Marsalis has made his reputation with a combination of skill in jazz performance and composition; a sophisticated, yet earthy and hip personal style; an impressive knowledge of jazz and jazz history; and a virtuosity in classical trumpet. As of 2006, he has made 16 classical and more than 30 jazz recordings, and has been awarded nine Grammys, in both genres.
