Samara Joy will receive the Ella Fitzgerald Award at the 2025 Montreal Jazz Festival on June 28 at Maison symphonique, Place des Arts. She is the 25th winner of the award, which is given annually to a jazz singer who has made a major impact on the international scene. Thundercat, Natalia Lafourcade, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Duncan Hunter Neale will also be honored with awards.

Last year, Joy released a new studio album titled Portrait, which highlighted the 25-year-old Bronx native’s growth as both a celebrated vocalist as well as a songwriter, arranger and band leader. “A well of inspiration that never runs dry because of the different streams that flow in, constantly pouring into the main source. That’s what comes to mind when I think of this project and the musicians who created it with me,” says Joy of the project. “Eight musicians, eight fresh perspectives and musical backgrounds – all joined together in a context designed for growth and exploration.

In February, Portrait was named Outstanding Jazz Album by the NAACP. Joy was also nominated for the same award back in 2023 for her 2022 album Linger Awhile, which also won her a Grammy for Best Jazz Album. Joy has also won Grammys for Best New Artist in 2023, Best Jazz Vocal Album for A Joyful Holiday, and two best jazz performance wins (for the fan-favorite “Tight” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me,” originally recorded by Stevie Wonder).

Officially titled the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the event takes place June 26 to July 5. Headlining performances include Nas’ rendition of Illmatic live with a symphony orchestra, Ayra Starr, Ben Harper, and Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The festival entails close to 150 indoor concerts and more than 350 free, open-air shows, presented on the Place des Festivals.

Buy Samara Joy’s music on CD and vinyl now.