Lauded as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation, Sullivan Fortner is recognized for his virtuosic technique and captivating performances. Born in New Orleans in 1986, Fortner first began playing piano around age four. He was playing in church groups by the time he was nine, and at 13 he enrolled in the famed New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. From those roots, Fortner has grown and honed his talents as a pianist, composer, and band leader to become the musical individualist that he is today. His music embodies the essence of the blues and jazz, as he connects music of all eras and genres through improvisation. He explores harmony and rhythmic ideas with curiosity and clarity, pulling distinct elements from different eras. He preserves tradition while evolving the sound. His performances combine wildly inventive musical connections with a soulful and disarmingly down-to-earth persona. “… dazzling… a pianist on the rise” — JAZZ TIMES

“An extravagant amount of talent and a hyperactive flow on the keyboard”– NEW YORK TIMES

The GRAMMY Award-winning artist received international praise as both key player and producer for his collaborative work on The Window with Cecile McLorin Salvant. As a solo leader, he has released Moments Preserved and Aria to critical acclaim.

In addition to working with such diverse artists as Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Diane Reeves and John Scofield, Fortner’s frequent and longtime collaborators have included Ambrose Akinmusire, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Nicholas Payton, Billy Hart, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and the late Roy Hargrove. Recent collaborations include GRAMMY-nominated releases Dear Love and Generations from leaders Jazzmeia Horn and The Baylor Project, respectively.

Fortner is the winner of a number of prestigious awards, among them the 2015 Cole Porter Fellowship from the American Pianists Association, and the 2016 Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists.