Columbus Jazz Hero
Dr. Jack Marchbanks isn’t just a jazz fan—he’s someone who keeps its spirit alive and pushes it forward. For almost 20 years as the host and producer of Jazz Sunday on WCBE, he’s treated jazz as more than just music from the past. Every show shows his belief that jazz is a big part of what makes America, carrying the stories, ideas, and values that shape who we are.
With a Ph.D. in history focused on jazz artists during the Civil Rights Movement, Marchbanks brings a deep understanding to his work. He shines a light on people like Max Roach, Nina Simone, Charles Mingus, and Langston Hughes, showing how their art helped drive conversations about justice and respect. He doesn’t just praise jazz—he explains why it matters and makes sure everyone understands its role in society.
“His baritone voice creates an image of a basement jazz club in Harlem, circa 1950,” Strictly Jazz Sounds podcast host Steve Braunginn said when asked to respond to the question of what he reminds him of in the jazz universe. “Jack Marchbanks has this on-the-air way of bringing the music home to the listener.”
Outside the radio and classroom, Marchbanks celebrates Ohio’s jazz history, lifts up Black artists, and brings people together with his public programs and writing. He’s right where culture, learning, and community meet—showing that jazz isn’t just music, but something that brings change.
Because of his steady influence, thoughtful leadership, and strong dedication to jazz, Dr. Jack Marchbanks truly represents what the Jazz Hero Award is all about.
—Stephanie Matthews, A Tribe For Jazz, 2025 Columbus Jazz Hero
