Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame™
CBJC established the BJHoFame to recognize renowned and unheralded musicians who impacted the borough’s cultural landscape both on and off the bandstand. Musicians are known for their musical talents and some of these artists have made social contributions that, like their music, uplift the people. Many seminal performing artists do not get the recognition as do their commercially successful counterparts. These griots are especially endeared by this hall of fame for providing cultural activities and services for the community.
Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame™ is a virtual entity whose creators/custodians envision it to be an edifice housing: interactive displays, educational series, broadcasting, and performance centers.
The program immortalizes a Brooklyn musician(s) with notable accomplishments on and off the bandstand. The hall of fame is a testimonial to the people, venues, and events which put “Brooklyn Jazz” into the consciousness of admirers of this art form.
| Photo | Name | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|
 | Max Roach-Drummer | 2002 |
 | Randy Weston-Piano | 2003 |
 | Gigi Gryce-Saxophone | 2003 |
 | Eubie Blake-Piano | 2004 |
 | Chef Bey-African Drums | 2004 |
 | Reggie Workman-Upright Bass | 2005 |
 | Kenny Dorham-Trumpet | 2005 |
 | Lena Horn-Singer | 2008 |
 | Leonard Gaskin-Bassist | 2009 |
 | Freddie Hubbard-Trumpet | 2009 |
 | Mary Lou Williams-Piano | |
 | Hazel Scott-Piano | |
 | Art Blakey-Drummer | |
 | Ernie Henry | |
 | Betty Roché-Vocalist | |
 | Cal Massey-Trumpet | |
| C Scobey Stroman-Drummer, Tap Dancer | ||
 | Ahmed Abdul Malik-Bassist | |
 | Carmen McRae-Vocalist | |
 | Betty Carter-Vocalist | |
 | Noel Pointer-Violin | |
| Clifton “Cliff” Smalls-Piano | ||
 | Wynton Kelly-Piano | |
| Welsey “Wally Gator” Watson-Drummer | ||
 | Roland Alexander-Saxophone | |
| Joe Carroll-Vocalist | ||
| Ulysses Slaughter-Vocalist | ||
 | Cecil Payne-Saxophone | |
 | Montego Joe-Conga, Percussion | |
 | John Ore-Bassist | |
 | Gerald Hayes-Saxophone | |
 | Alex Blake-Bassist | |
 | Cedar Walton-Piano | |
 | Kenny Barron-Piano | 2010 |
 | Bob Cunningham-Upright Bass | 2012 |
 | Herbie Mann-Flute | 2014 |
 | Bill Lee-Bassist | 2014 |
 | Stanley Banks-Bass Guitar | 2015 |
 | Kenny Kirkland-Piano | 2015 |
 | James Spaulding | 2016 |
 | Ronnie Mathews-Piano | 2016 |
| Henry Mathathias Pearson | 2017 | |
| Larry Ridley | 2017 | |
 | Irving “Duke” Jordan-Piano | 2018 |
| Dr. Sam Pinn-Jazz Advocate, Entrepreneur | 2024 | |
The Deacon Leroy Applin Young Lion(ess) Award is presented to a young musician of exceptional ability from the borough.