News

Doc Brown to return as host for this year’s ceremony at KOKO in London on April 16, 2026

London, UK. March 24, 2026 – Van Morrison will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jazz FM Awards 2026, presented in collaboration with PPL and PRS for Music, recognising his extraordinary contribution to music across more than six decades.

Morrison will be honoured at the ceremony at KOKO on Thursday April 16th, where broadcaster, comedian and actor Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown) will return to host the evening. The ceremony will bring together leading artists from across the worlds of jazz, soul and blues for an evening celebrating the genre’s rich heritage and its continuing evolution.

Van Morrison:

“Jazz and blues have always been at the heart of the music I love and the music I make. I’ve been fortunate to spend my life doing what I believe in, and it’s an honour to receive this recognition from Jazz FM.”

The Jazz FM Lifetime Achievement Award honours artists whose careers have made a lasting impact on the world of jazz and its wider musical landscape. Presented to musicians whose work has helped shape the evolution of the genre, the accolade recognises those whose influence extends far beyond the stage, inspiring generations of artists and audiences around the world. Previous recipients include Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Dame Cleo Laine, Tony Bennett, Pat Metheny and Ahmad Jamal.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Morrison has built a catalogue of recordings that seamlessly blend jazz, soul, blues and folk. From the spiritual jazz explorations of Astral Weeks to the meditative, improvisational soundscapes of Common One, his music has shaped the sound of modern songwriting and continues to inspire generations of musicians across genres.

Over the course of his career, Morrison has released more than 40 studio albums and earned global recognition including multiple Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a knighthood for services to music in Northern Ireland. His unique ability to fuse musical traditions with deeply personal songwriting has cemented his reputation as one of the defining voices in contemporary music.

Nick Pitts, Content Director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical, said:

“Van Morrison’s music occupies a unique space where jazz, soul, blues and poetry meet. His body of work has influenced countless artists and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. It is a privilege for the Jazz FM Awards to honour such a singular and enduring talent with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO, PRS for Music, said:

“It’s always a delight to support the Jazz FM Awards and celebrate our members from the jazz community – a sector so rich in creativity and exceptional flair. This year, it’s especially meaningful to see Van Morrison recognised for his remarkable and enduring contribution to music. His influence continues to shape songwriters and composers across generations. To all this year’s nominees and winners, congratulations – your drive and determination enable the creation of incredible music across jazz, soul and blues”.

Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL said:

“Van Morrison’s music has inspired generations of musicians and touched the hearts of listeners around the world. He is one of the all-time greats, and his unique blend of jazz, soul and blues, coupled with his inimitable voice is what has made him such a defining and lasting force in music. I am delighted that the Jazz FM Awards is honouring the legendary ‘Van the Man’ with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and more broadly, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s nominees and winners.” 

The evening will once again be hosted by Ben Bailey Smith, who returns following his appearance at last year’s ceremony. A respected broadcaster, comedian and actor as well as a musician in his own right, Brown brings his trademark wit and deep love of music to the stage for what promises to be another memorable celebration of jazz and its many musical intersections.

This year’s Jazz FM Award nominees include UK jazz innovators Ezra Collective, star British singer-songwriter Raye, soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples, multi-award-winning US vocalist Samara Joy, chart-topping producer, composer and trumpeter Emma-Jean Thackray, British soul star Omar, visionary multi-instrumentalist Shabaka Hutchings, boundary-pushing French-Haitian vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, and the genre-blending collective Snarky Puppy.

Jazz FM Awards 2026 with PPL and PRS for Music – Nominees 

BREAKTHROUGH ACT OF THE YEAR

Donovan Haffner
Earth-o-Naut
Poppy Daniels

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ ACT OF THE YEAR 
Sponsored by Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Linda May Han Oh
Nate Smith
Samara Joy

BLUES ACT OF THE YEAR

Alice Armstrong
Gary Clark Jr.
Mavis Staples

SOUL ACT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by OANDA

Omar
RAYE
Young Gun Silver Fox

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR 

Joe Webb
Laura Jurd
Shabaka

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Brigitte Beraha
Marvin Muoneké
Yazmin Lacey

THE INNOVATION AWARD
Sponsored by Mishcon de Reya

Emma-Jean Thackray
Ezra Collective
Theon Cross

THE COLLABORATION AWARD
Sponsored by Cash For Kids

Balimaya Project meets Discos Pacifico All-Stars – Calima
Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest – SOMNI
The Jazz Social and EFG London Jazz Festival

ALBUM OF THE YEAR – PUBLIC VOTE

Ambrose Akinmusire – honey from a winter stone
Cécile McLorin Salvant – Oh Snap
Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
Fergus McCreadie – The Shieling
Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell – We Insist 2025!
Tyreek McDole – Open Up Your Senses

UK JAZZ ACT OF THE YEAR – PUBLIC VOTE 

Emma Rawicz
Kokoroko
Tom Skinner