Celebrated virtuoso and educator Langston Hughes II marks a full circle moment in his return to the FAME JAZZ Band, only this time assuming a role to anchor the future of music.
On Jan. 21, the Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education (FAME) lauded the former student-turned-teaching artist as the jazz program’s new artistic director, marking a new era of creative impact, education, and community development.
“Langston’s journey from student to mentor embodies everything FAME stands for and reflects our belief that artistry and meaningful community impact must go hand in hand,” said A. Toni Lewis, founder and CEO of FAME, in a press release.
Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Hughes’ appointment tops a musical resumé that already has framed paths to greatness.
An accomplished saxophonist, woodwind doubler, and composer, the 23-year-old musical prodigy crafted an extensive background in DMV lineage — including serving as a former Strathmore Artist in Residence, and a participant in the Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency.
As a student of the Maryland-based FAME Jazz Band, he blossomed under the leadership of music icon Nat Adderley Jr., and refined his craft as a mentee of saxophonist Charlie Young III and pianist Cyrus Chestnut at Howard University, later earning a master’s degree in jazz studies from The Juilliard School.
Shaped by the blues, Black gospel, and the roots of D.C. and New York’s jazz scenes, Hughes now hones a deep embodiment of character and cultural appreciation needed to nurture the next generation of musicians – both on and off the stage.
“The appointment of Langston Hughes II as artistic director represents a powerful alignment of excellence and empowerment,” said Lewis, “and reaffirms my vision to increase access to quality music and education for all youth.”
Hughes’ performance credentials include working with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, as well as Cyrus Chestnut, Ulysses Owens Jr., and leading emerging jazz artists in New York City – placing him among a dynamic circle of cultivators in tradition, technical excellence, and leadership.