The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation announced this week that trumpet maestro Rick Braun will entertain guests at its Lead with Vision Induction Celebration on Oct. 14 during the High Point Market.
Known for his technical chops, melodic wizardry and compositional prowess, Braun has collaborated across genres with some of the biggest names in music, including Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Sade, Natalie Cole and REO Speedwagon.
“Rick Braun has been entertaining loyal fans for decades,” says Jeff Child, President of the Hall of Fame Foundation board of directors. “Whether he’s playing one of the titles that earned him more than 20 number-one Smooth Jazz hits or a track off of his new album, which references Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez, Rick is the consummate entertainer. His warmth, wit and energy are contagious.”
Braun, who discovered music at an early age, began playing trumpet at age eight. Coming of age in Allentown, PA, he describes his compositional influences as “all over the map,” but names Earth, Wind and Fire, The Brecker Brothers, Quincy Jones, The Crusaders and Ramsey Lewis as a few of his favorites. He has enjoyed a rare longevity, crafting his own distinctive sound and becoming a staple on contemporary jazz radio. He has recorded 18 albums since 1992; the most recent is 2017’s Around the Horn.
“For me, music is not just about going out touring and making a living,” Braun says. “Music has always been a source of joy, almost a therapy. When things are not going right or when I am not feeling right about myself, if I can get into my studio and make some music and dig into that world, it always makes me feel better. It is an absolute pleasure seeing the joy that it brings to others. I love every moment of it.”
Braun will be part of the 30th anniversary Induction Celebration, which includes legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski as keynote speaker and TV personalities Drew and Jonathan Scott as hosts, as well as the induction of four industry leaders into the Hall of Fame.
