For over three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a leading advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education globally. Under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center has brought the art form of jazz from the heart of New York City to over 446 cities in more than 40 countries. Songs We Love was first presented as the 2016 season opener at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The program is a journey through the first 50 years of jazz song. Under the musical direction of trumpeter Riley Mulherkar, vocalists Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas, and Shenel Johns join Mariel Bildsten on trombone, Lucas Pino on reeds, Mathis Picard on piano, Barry Stephenson on bass, and TJ Reddick in this all-star ensemble celebrating the American art form of jazz. Combining their distinct talents, the group will sing their way through four decades of music, beginning with the early blues and jazz of the 1920s and ending in the early 1950s. Iconic singers to be explored include Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.