A Conversation In Jazz - Kenny Dickerson

In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the distinguished educator, drummer, photographer, producer and artistic director of the Washington D.C.-based jazz ensemble Collaboration, Dr. Kenneth Dickerson. Dr. Kenneth D. Dickerson is a distinguished educator, accomplished musician, photographer, producer, and artistic director who leads the Washington, D.C.-based jazz ensemble Collaboration. With over three decades of experience in music performance, visual arts, education, and international cultural exchange, Dr. Dickerson has built a multifaceted career that bridges artistry, leadership, and innovation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of the District of Columbia, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University, and a Doctorate in Human Development and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University. Since 1993, Dr. Dickerson has served within the District of Columbia Public Schools, beginning as a music teacher before becoming Music Department Chairperson at Wilson Senior High School. He later joined the administrative team as Assistant Principal and currently serves as Director of Music at Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School, where he continues to inspire and mentor young musicians. As a performer, Dr. Dickerson has appeared on prestigious stages, including the Presidential Inaugural Galas for President Bill Clinton (1997) and President Barack Obama (2008). His ensemble, Collaboration, has shared stages with an impressive list of acclaimed recording artists, including Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Patti LaBelle, Eric Benét, Stanley Turrentine, The Blackbyrds, Norman Brown, Lalah Hathaway, Peabo Bryson, David Dyson, Vesta Williams, Pieces of a Dream, Betty Carter, Lee Ritenour, War, The Manhattans, and the late Phyllis Hyman, among others. His performances and music have also been featured on BET’s BET on Jazz and national television advertising campaigns. As an artist, producer, photographer, and director of educational content with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Dr. Dickerson has traveled extensively, performing and leading programs across Africa, Australia, Russia, Morocco, and Abu Dhabi (UAE). In 2012, he served as On-Site Director and Producer for the Institute’s inaugural International Jazz Day celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, broadcast globally via CBS and CNN. He has also taught and performed at the Festival de Música de Ourinhos (São Paulo, 2016), the IX Festival Música Ibiapaba (Fortaleza, Brazil), and has contributed his talents to the DC Jazz Festival as both a featured artist and photographer. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Dr. Dickerson is an established photographer with a career spanning live performance, promotional, and fine art photography. He has worked for major record labels as a promotional photographer, capturing iconic images of legendary artists including The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Isaac Hayes, Earth, Wind & Fire, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Gladys Knight, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Frankie Beverly & Maze, James Brown, Anita Baker, and Dizzy Gillespie, among many others. Dr. Dickerson’s dedication to music education has earned him numerous honors, including: • Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music Education (1994) – Presented by Barbara Streisand, Sony Music, and the Mayor of D.C. • Outstanding Teacher of the Year (1995) – Parent’s United • Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Education (2001) – For work as a Fulbright-Hayes Scholar in West Africa (Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia) • Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Education (2012) – DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities • Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts Grant (2014) • NAMM Foundation Support Merit Award (2015–2018) • Grammy Signature School Community Award (2017–2018) • DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship Award (2021-2024) Dr. Dickerson is affiliated with BMI (songwriter/composer/producer), the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Phi Delta Kappa, and has been recognized by the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) for Outstanding Leadership in Music. Jazz is more than music. It is culture. It is the way we communicate. It's a life style. And through sharing the stories we can appreciate the music at a more dynamic level. We hope that by sharing the stories of jazz musicians, artists, educators, presenters, and enthusiasts, we can inspire and attract a new generation of jazz listeners, supporters, and appreciators of this original music. We ask that you would continue to support the channel so that we can continue to produce future videos and quality productions. You can support us through our Cashapp at $Jazzology101. Thank you!