Excerpt from presentation of First Annual Jazz Griot Award from the Jazz Education Network (JEN) to Donald Meade. Donald is a musician, writer, producer and historian. At 80 years old, his energy and enthusiasm is contagious and he enjoys nothing more than sharing his knowledge with others, especially young people. He has been a lifelong friend and confidant to many Jazz legends including Ed Thigpen, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald. At the 2012 JEN Conference, during the Jazz Griot presentation, Donald was treated to an an a cappella tribute by Nnenna Freelon.
