22 Facts About Branford Marsalis

Branford Marsalis is the son of Dolores, a jazz singer and substitute teacher, and Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr.

At the encouragement of Batiste, Branford Marsalis later transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Branford Marsalis continued to work with Wynton until 1985, a period that saw the release of his own first recording, Scenes in the City, as well as guest appearances with other artists including Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.

Branford Marsalis became a regular in Sting's line-up both in the studio and live up until the release of Brand New Day in 1999.

In 1988, Branford Marsalis co-starred in the Spike Lee film School Daze, rendering several horn-blowing interludes for the music in the film.

In 1989, Branford Marsalis played a 30-second cover of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" over the opening logos of Lee's film Do the Right Thing.

Between 1990 and 1994, Branford Marsalis played with the Grateful Dead numerous times, and appeared on their 1990 live album Without a Net.

Branford Marsalis later appeared on Wake Up to Find Out, a full release of the March 29,1990 concert he performed in.

In 1992, Branford Marsalis became the leader of the Tonight Show Band on the newly launched The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, after Jay Leno replaced Johnny Carson.

Branford Marsalis brought with him the three other members of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, who became the Tonight Show Band's pianist, drummer and bass player, respectively.

In 1994, Branford Marsalis formed the group Buckshot LeFonque, a jazz group with elements of rock and hip-hop.

In 1994, Branford Marsalis appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD, Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool.

In 1995, Branford Marsalis left The Tonight Show, having become unhappy in the role: he disliked that he was supposed to always show enthusiasm, even for jokes he thought were unfunny.

Branford Marsalis was succeeded as bandleader by guitarist Kevin Eubanks.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet has since toured and recorded extensively.

For two decades Marsalis was associated with Columbia, where he served as creative consultant and producer for jazz recordings between 1997 and 2001, including signing saxophonist David S Ware for two albums.

Branford Marsalis has become involved in college education, with appointments at Michigan State University, San Francisco State University, and North Carolina Central University.

Branford Marsalis wrote the music for the 2010 Broadway revival of the August Wilson play Fences.

On July 14,2010, Branford Marsalis made his debut with the New York Philharmonic on Central Park's Great Lawn.

In 2012, Branford Marsalis released Four MFs Playin' Tunes on deluxe 180-gram high definition vinyl, prior to Record Store Day 2012 on April 21,2012.

Branford Marsalis performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Wednesday, September 5,2012, at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

In 2019 Branford Marsalis released The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, which he recorded in Australia with his quartet.