The Kennedy Center celebrates jazz icon and social activist Charles Mingus at 100.

The Kennedy Center celebrates jazz icon and social activist Charles Mingus at 100. Through performances and conversations, we explore how his outsized personality and inimitable style pushed boundaries and paved the way for future generations.

Outspoken. Wild. Caring. Valiant. Courageous. Profound. There was no one like Charles Mingus. As a seminal figure in American culture–a leader who spent his life pushing against musical norms and social injustice, the Kennedy Center celebrates his legacy on the anniversary year of his 100th birthday. Anchored by a performance featuring the Mingus Big Band in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, "Let My Children Hear Mingus" features performances from and interviews with legendary musicians, record producers, historians, and activists across generations including Charles McPherson, Jason Moran, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Robert Glasper, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Keki Mingus and Christian McBride. These artists share their personal experiences playing with Mingus and growing up with his music. Together, through the lens of music and history, we get a picture of Mingus’ outsized personality, unique style, and tender heart. This portrait of the entire man gives context to his music and a deeper understanding of how Mingus fused classical styles of jazz with the gospel and world music, pushed musical and cultural boundaries, and influenced future generations of artists in the worlds of contemporary jazz, R&B, soul, and beyond. In the words of James Newton, Mingus' music is “art created at the edge of a cliff.”