Hamilton Hardin: The Black Gospel Tradition

Hamilton Hardin: The Black Gospel Tradition

Friday, February 20th, 7:30 PM

with a special pre-concert lecture from Dr. Cedric Dent at 7 PM

Nashville Jazz Workshop

As part of a special Black History Month tribute, the Nashville Jazz Workshop proudly presents Hamilton Hardin in a powerful concert experience celebrating the depth, spirit, and enduring influence of Black Gospel Music on Jazz on February 28, 2026.

A Columbus, Ohio native, Hamilton Hardin has emerged as a compelling force in contemporary music, known for seamlessly bridging tradition and innovation. A Grammy Award–winning producer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer for big band and orchestra, Hardin brings a wide-ranging musical perspective to gospel music—honoring its sacred roots while illuminating its profound connections to jazz, soul, R&B, and modern improvisational language.

Hardin earned his degree in Jazz Studies and Saxophone Performance from The Ohio State University in 2004, and since then has built an extraordinary career as a touring musician, producer, arranger, and musical director. His work includes collaborations with an expansive list of iconic artists such as Stevie Wonder, Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Lalah Hathaway, Fantasia, Take 6, Dave Koz, Tyrese, Norman Brown, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, War & Treaty, and many more—each experience further shaping his deep understanding of gospel’s central role in Black American music.

Hardin has released three acclaimed recordings: Just Wanna Say (2014), Pray (2020), and his latest 2025 release, Filled With Wonder, all of which reflect his commitment to music that inspires, heals, and elevates. Beyond performance, he is the founder and Executive Director of Future Star, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting music industry professionals with schools worldwide, empowering young people to use art as a tool for environmental awareness and social change.

This Black History Month tribute is an invitation to experience gospel music not only as history, but as a living, breathing force—one that continues to shape sound, spirit, and culture today.

This concert is part of NJW’s 4-part series “America's Music: A Black History Month Jazz Retrospective” and is made possible by the generous support of the Tennessee Arts Commission.