Sullivan Fortner

For more than a decade, Sullivan Fortner has been stretching his deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader, and uncompromising individualist. The GRAMMY Award-winning artist and recipient of the 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award has garnered international praise as a leader and a fierce collaborator. In 2026, Fortner earned the Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album with his trio album Southern Nights and was named Piano Player of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Pulling distinct elements from different eras, Fortner’s artistry preserves the tradition and evolves the sound. The New Orleans native has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Paul Simon, Diane Reeves, John Scofield, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kassa Overall, Nicholas Payton, Chief Adjuah and Roy Hargrove. Fortner has appeared at acclaimed festivals around the world including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Discover, Big Ears and the Gilmore Piano Festival among many others. Both Fortner's works and his insights have been featured in culture drivers from The New York Times to The Root.

Fortner’s newest trio album Leave That In There will be released on August 28th, 2026, on Artwork Records (PIAS).