Singer SAMARA JOY and pianist ROBERT GLASPER оп making JAZZ NOW

Jazz is inarguably one of the most influential, foundational, and revered musical genres, yet it's also one that has been relegated to the margins of mainstream culture over the past few decades.

- ARIANA MARSH

But at this year's Grammy Awards ceremony, vocalist Samara Joy and pianist, producer, and songwriter Robert Glasper-both classically trained jazz musicians-took home major awards for Best New Artist and Best R&B Album, respectively, dominating two categories that recognize what's new and innovative and pop. That the two are in the vanguard of modern jazz proves it is a genre that can change with the times and engage new audiences along the way.

Along with becoming the second jazz musician ever to win Best New Artist at the Grammys (Esperanza Spalding won in 2011), 23-year-old Joy also took home the award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her sophomore album, Linger Awhile. Joy's wins are a testament not only to her prodigious vocal talents but also to her crucial role in the shifting music landscape. By putting her own spin on jazz classics and sharing them with the world on social media, she is drawing in a new generation of listeners who are being introduced to jazz for the first time by someone their own age.