Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023

On this day, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the transformative impact he had on the Civil Rights Movement. His courage, determination, and unwavering belief in justice and equality continue to inspire us. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, we are reminded of Dr. King’s love for music, specifically jazz, which he once called “triumphant music.”

In 1969, a year after Dr. King’s assassination, jazz legend Herbie Hancock paid tribute to him with the release of his album “The Prisoner.” Dedicating the album to Dr. King, Hancock sought to honor his incredible impact and enduring legacy through the medium of music. You can listen to The Prisoner below, along with Dr. King’s powerful speech, “I Have a Dream.”

May the music of jazz continue to inspire and bring people together, just as Dr. King did with his message of love and unity.

“Music is the best consolation for a despaired man.” – Martin Luther King Jr.