Benny Carter
The Rutgers Connection
Since 1977, Benny Carter has enjoyed a special relationship with Rutgers and the Institute of Jazz Studies. Over the years Carter has chaired a fundraising appeal to musicians to help create an endowment, served as artist-in-residence the Mason Gross School, and established the Morroe Berger - Benny Carter Jazz Research Fund at the IJS.

In 1992, the Institute commissioned Carter to compose two extended works for combined jazz and chamber orchestras which were premiered by Carter with the Rutgers University Orchestra. The resulting live recording, "Harlem Renaissance," won a Grammy. In 1994, Carter performed at the celebration of the expansion of Dana Library and the opening of the Institute's new facility. The University honored Benny Carter with an honorary doctorate in 1991, when Carter also delivered the commencement address at the Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Musical Selection: The Sugar Hill Slow Drag Blues fromHarlem Renaissance, MusicMasters 0162-65080-2, Grammy Winner (1992)


Carter and IJS Director Dan Morgenstern at the Institute when it was located at Bradley Hall, 1979. Carter and IJS Director Dan Morgenstern at the Institute when it was located at Bradley Hall, 1979. (Photo by Ed Berger)
Carter with Institute of Jazz Studies staff and friends, Newark, 1986. Carter with Institute of Jazz Studies staff and friends, Newark, 1986. Joining Carter are, top row, from left, Ed Berger, Vincent Pelote, Phil Schaap and Dan Morgenstern; bottom row, from left, are Pat Mann, Robin Carter. Loren Schoenberg and Marcy Belfer.
Carter with Paula Berger, mother of Ed Berger, Dan Morgenstern, Vincent Pelote, and David Penque, 1977. Carter with Paula Berger, mother of Ed Berger, Dan Morgenstern, Vincent Pelote, and David Penque, 1977. (Photo by Ed Berger)
Carter coaches members of the Rutgers Jazz Ensemble, New Brunswick, 1986, included noted tenor player Harry Allen, third from left.(Photo by Ed Berger) Carter with members of the Rutgers Jazz Ensemble, New Brunswick, 1986. (Photo by Ed Berger)
Carter delivers commencement address at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, May 1991. Carter received an honorary degree from Rutgers later that day. Carter delivers commencement address at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, May 1991. Carter received an honorary degree from Rutgers later that day. (Photo by Ed Berger)
Benny leads the Rutgers University Orchestra in February 1992 in preparation for the performance and Grammy-winning recording of Harlem Renaissance, which was commissioned by the Institute of Jazz Studies especially for the occasion. (Photo by Ed Berger) Benny leads the Rutgers University Orchestra in February 1992 in preparation for the performance and Grammy-winning recording of Harlem Renaissance, which was commissioned by the Institute of Jazz Studies especially for the occasion. (Photo by Ed Berger)
Benny Carter: Eight Decades in American Music

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