Billy Cobham to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at next week's 2025 Jazz FM Awards
Kevin Whitlock
Thursday, April 17, 2025
The legendary drummer and fusion pioneer will be honoured at the ceremony at KOKO in London on 24 April
Jazz FM today (17 April) announced that pioneering drummer Billy Cobham will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards (in conjunction with PPL and PRS for Music). The award will be presented at the ceremony at KOKO in London on Thursday 24 April, hosted by musician, actor and comedian Ben Bailey Smith (AKA Doc Brown).
Cobham is widely regarded as one of the most important drummers in modern music history. Acclaimed for his groundbreaking work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, and his own solo albums, Cobham’s unique creative vision helped to define the jazz fusion movement of the 1970s and during a career spanning over five decades he has inspired countless artists across jazz, rock, funk and beyond.
The Jazz FM Lifetime Achievement Award honours musicians whose careers have shaped the landscape of jazz through decades of innovation, influence and artistry. Past recipients include Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Dame Cleo Laine and Tony Bennett.
Cobham commented: “It’s been a long, long journey – almost 60 years - and so I’m deeply honoured that I have been recognised in any way, shape or form for my contributions in the small amount that I’ve made to the musical fabric of the jazz community.”
"Billy Cobham’s influence on the world of jazz and modern music is immeasurable. His visionary approach broke new ground in the 1970s and his music continues to resonate today. We are delighted to honour him with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award," said Nick Pitts, Content Director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical.
This year’s Jazz FM Awards will also honour Jamie Cullum, who will receive the Impact Award, and Melody Gardot, who will be presented with the Gold Award.
The 2025 nominees feature a mix of artists including Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Michael Kiwanuka, Shabaka, Samara Joy, Jalen Ngonda, Alice Zawadzki, and corto.alto.
We'll have a full list on winners next week, as soon as they're announced – watch this space!