50 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, we're finding meaning and power in Dr. King’s opening speech at the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival. Read the full transcript here: ow.ly/rYCO30jjQ5t

Today in 1927: Saxophonist and composer Gerry Mulligan is born in New York, NY. He's one of musicians featured in this year's #JazzAppreciationMonth poster. Request a free copy of the poster today: s.si.edu/JAMposter [📷:@NPG]

Today is a great day for birthdays in #JazzHistory! Happy Birthday to vocalist Billie Holiday (born 1915), percussionist Mongo Santamaria (born 1922), and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (born 1938) on their shared birthday! #JazzAppreciationMonth [📷: National Museum of American History & Smithsonian’s NMAAHC]

Norman Granz was chosen as this year's featured #JazzAppreciationMonth artist for his contributions to jazz and uncompromising stance on civil rights. Don't take our word for it—let the musicians who worked with him tell you: s.si.edu/granz-words

We're big fans of this mash-up! 🐶🎺🐶🎤 x.com/DavidJSkorton/…

Before Monday’s #NEAJazzMasters Tribute Concert, get to know the 2018 NEA Jazz Masters as they chat with us about their journeys in jazz. go.usa.gov/xQbQN #NEAJazz18 #JazzAppreciationMonth Pat Metheny @diannereeves1

Today in 1894: The "Empress of the Blues" Bessie Smith is born in Chattanooga, TN. Her soulful voice made her one of the most popular singers of the 1920s-30s. [📷: Archives Center, National Museum of American History] #JazzAppreciationMonth #WomenInJazz

Norman Granz, our featured #JazzAppreciationMonth artist, fought for equal rights and respect for his musicians. At concerts he would pass out this guide on how audiences should behave at a concert. What do you think of his suggestions? What would say?

Today's #JazzAppreciationMonth memory: In 1953, Norman Granz took "Jazz at the Philharmonic" to Japan where Oscar Peterson introduced Granz to a young pianist, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and insisted he record her. Toshiko remembers the importance of that moment: ow.ly/rIGe30joC0q

Today in 1923: Percussionist and bandleader Tito Puente is born in New York, NY. Tito was featured on the 2005 #JazzAppreciationMonth poster. Check out all the past posters: s.si.edu/JAMposter

Today in 1917 : Ella Fitzgerald is born in Newport News, Virginia. Known as the “First Lady of Song,” Ella won 13 Grammys and sold over 40 million albums. Learn about the recording that helped launch her career: s.si.edu/atisket #JazzAppreciationMonth