John's Career

I had the honor to visit John Beasley in his studio in Venice, CA. 
A renowned pianist, composer, and arranger, Beasley has played with jazz legends like Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard, and collaborated with artists such as Dianne Reeves, Chaka Khan, and Stanley Clarke. With over 20 recordings, his work has earned two GRAMMY® Awards, 14 nominations, and two Latin Grammy nominations.

As Music Director for the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Beasley leads the global “International Jazz Day” concerts and earned an Emmy nomination for the 2016 White House Jazz Gala. He formed the big band MONK’estra in 2017, receiving six consecutive GRAMMY® nominations and one win. Beasley’s arrangements have graced European jazz orchestras and Fado-jazz projects, earning Latin Grammy nominations and awards.

In TV and film, Beasley’s compositions have appeared in works by Thomas Newman, including Spectre and 1917. He’s currently composing for the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and preparing his album Returning to Forever. As an educator, he conducts masterclasses worldwide and writes for youth orchestras, including Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA. In 2024, he was appointed President of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC).

What fascinates me most is Beasley’s ability to seamlessly navigate so many styles and productions. I was eager to learn what he enjoys most, how he approaches such diverse musical landscapes, and what drives his boundless creativity.
Plenty to discuss with this incredibly talented artist!

Follow John Beasley on instagram @johnbeasleyofficial or johnbeasley.com