List of 1990s down beat poll winners
List of Down Beat Poll winners (critics and readers) of the 1990s.
1990
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Mary Lou Williams
- Jazz Artist of the Year: Benny Carter
- Big band: Sun Ra Arkestra
- Jazz group, acoustic: Phil Woods Quintet
- Jazz group, electric: Ornette Coleman ’s Prime Time
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Lester Bowie
- Trumpet: Ray Anderson
- Clarinet: John Carter
- Flute: James Newton
- Guitar: Jim Hall
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Bass, acoustic: Charlie Haden
- Bass, electric: Steve Swallow
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Naná Vasconcelos
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Piano: Cecil Taylor
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric Keyboard: Sun Ra
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans (harmonica)
- Arranger: Toshiko Akiyoshi
- Composer: Henry Threadgill
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Label: Blue Note Records
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Blues artist: John Lee Hooker
- Blues group: Kinsey Report (band)
- Beyond artist: Elvis Costello
- Beyond group: The Rolling Stones
- Blues Album of the Year: John Lee Hooker The Healer (Chameleon)
- Beyond Album of the Year: Neville Brothers Yellow Moon (A&M), Peter Gabriel Passion (Geffen), Public Enemy Fear of a Black Planet (Def Jam)
- Jazz Album of the Year: Cecil Taylor In Berlin (FMP)
- Reissue of the Year: Clifford Brown Brownie: The Complete Emarcy Recordings (Emarcy)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Red Rodney
- Jazz musician of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz Album of the Year: Miles Davis Aura (Columbia)
- Blues Album of the Year: John Lee Hooker The Healer (Chameleon)
- "Beyond" album of the year: Bonnie Raitt Nick of Time (Capitol)
- Big Band: Count Basie
- Acoustic jazz group: Red Rodney
- Electric jazz group: Chick Corea Elektric Band
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: Steve Turre
- Clarinet: Eddie Daniels
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Jack DeJohnette
- Percussion: Airto Moreira
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: Jim Hall
- Piano: Tommy Flanagan
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Benny Carter
- Arranger: Benny Carter
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: BB King
- “Beyond” group: The Rolling Stones
- “Beyond” artist: Elvis Costello
1991
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: John Carter
- Jazz musician of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz Album of the Year: Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra Dream Keeper (Blue Note)
- Blues album of the year: Charles Brown All my life
- Beyond album of the year: Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Ragged Glory (Reprise)
- Big Band: Count Basie
- Acoustic band: Phil Woods Quintet
- Electric band: John Scofield Group
- Alto saxophone: Frank Morgan
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: Ray Anderson
- Clarinet: John Carter
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Naná Vasconcelos
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Guitar: Jim Hall
- Piano: Cecil Taylor
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric keyboard: Sun Ra
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans , harmonica
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Composer: Henry Threadgill
- Label: Blue Note Records
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: Kinsey Report
- Beyond artist: Paul Simon
- Beyond group: Living Color
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Reissue of the year: Robert Johnson The complete Recordings (Columbia / Legacy)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Lee Morgan
- Jazz musician of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz Album of the Year: Charlie Haden ’s Liberation Music Orchestra Dream Keeper (Blue Note)
- Blues Album of the Year: John Lee Hooker The Healer (Chameleon)
- "Beyond" Album of the Year: Sting The Soul Cages (A&M)
- Big Band: Count Basie
- Acoustic jazz group: Phil Woods
- Electric jazz group: Miles Davis
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Eddie Daniels
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Jack DeJohnette
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Keith Jarrett
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Carla Bley
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Living Color
- “Beyond” artist: Sting
1992
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: James P. Johnson
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joe Henderson
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Henderson Lush Life (Verve)
- Blues album of the year: Buddy Guy Damn right i got the blues
- Beyond - Album of the Year: Neil Young : Arc / Weld (Reprise)
- Big band: Sun Ra Arkestra
- Acoustic band: Wynton Marsalis
- Electric band: Ornette Coleman
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: Ray Anderson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Airto Moreira
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Tommy Flanagan
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric keyboard: Sun Ra
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans , harmonica
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Composer: Muhal Richard Abrams
- Label: Blue Note Records
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- Beyond artist: Neil Young
- Beyond group: The Grateful Dead
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Reissue of the year: Nat King Cole The complete Recordings of the Nat King Cole Trio (Mosaic)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Maynard Ferguson
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joe Henderson
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Henderson Lush Life (Verve)
- Blues album of the year: Buddy Guy Damn right i got the blues (Silvertone)
- "Beyond" album of the year: Bonnie Raitt Luck of the Draw (Capitol)
- Big Band: Count Basie
- Acoustic jazz group: Wynton Marsalis
- Electric jazz group: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Eddie Daniels
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Jack DeJohnette
- Percussion: Airto Moreira
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Kenny Barron
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Muhal Richard Abrams , Carla Bley
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: BB King
- “Beyond” group: U2
- “Beyond” artist: Sting
1993
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Ed Blackwell
- Jazz Artist of the Year: Joe Henderson
- Big Band: Count Basie Orchestra
- Jazz group, acoustic: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz group, electric: John Scofield Group
- Alto saxophone: Jackie McLean
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis , Lester Bowie
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Bass, acoustic: Charlie Haden
- Bass, electric: Steve Swallow
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Airto Moreira
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Piano: Kenny Barron
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric Keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans (harmonica)
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Composer: Muhal Richard Abrams
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Label: Verve Records
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- Beyond artist: Tom Waits
- Beyond group: Kronos Quartet , Los Lobos
- Blues Album of the Year: John Lee Hooker Boom Boom (Point Blank / Virgin)
- Beyond album of the year: Mario Bauzá Tanga (Messidor), Sting Ten Summoner's Tales (A&M)
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Henderson So Near, So Far (Musings for Miles) (Verve)
- Reissue of the Year: Billie Holiday The Complete Billie Holiday on Verve (Verve)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Gerry Mulligan
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joe Henderson
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Henderson So Near, So Far (Verve)
- Blues Album of the Year: John Lee Hooker Boom Boom (Pointblank)
- "Beyond" Album of the Year: Sting Ten Summoner's Tales (A&M)
- Big Band: Count Basie
- Acoustic jazz group: Red Rodney
- Electric jazz group: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Airto Moreira
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Tommy Flanagan
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Henry Threadgill
- Arranger: Bob Belden
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Los Lobos
- “Beyond” artist: Sting
1994
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Frank Zappa
- Jazz artist of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Big Band: Count Basie Orchestra
- Jazz group, acoustic: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz group, electric: John Scofield Group
- Alto saxophone: Jackie McLean
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Bass, acoustic: Charlie Haden
- Bass, electric: Steve Swallow
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Trilok Gurtu
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Piano: Tommy Flanagan
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric Keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans (harmonica)
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Composer: Randy Weston
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Label: Verve Records
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- Beyond artist: George Clinton
- Beyond group: Neville Brothers
- Blues Album of the Year: BB King Blues Summitt (MCA)
- Beyond album of the year: Ali Farka Touré , Ry Cooder Talking Timbuktu (Hannibal)
- Jazz Album of the Year: Charlie Haden & Quartet West Always Say Goodbye (Verve)
- Reissue of the year: Ornette Coleman Beauty is a rare thing: the complete Atlantic Recordings (Rhino / Atlantic)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Dave Brubeck
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joshua Redman
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joshua Redman Wish (Warner)
- Blues Album of the Year: BB King Blues Summitt (MCA)
- "Beyond" Album of the Year: Bruce Hornsby Harbor Lights (RCA)
- Big band: McCoy Tyner
- Acoustic jazz group: Charlie Haden ’s Quartet West
- Electric jazz group: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Max Roach
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Keith Jarrett
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Henry Threadgill
- Arranger: Carla Bley
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- "Beyond" group: Neville Brothers
- “Beyond” artist: Sting
1995
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Julius Hemphill
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joe Lovano
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Lovano , Gunther Schuller Rush Hour (Verve)
- Blues Album of the Year: Buddy Guy Slippin 'In (Silvertone)
- Beyond album of the year: Maleem Mahmoud Ghania , Pharoah Sanders : The Tranca of Seven Colors (Axiom)
- Big Band: McCoy Tyner Big Band
- Acoustic band: Charlie Haden ’s Quartet West
- Electric band: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Jackie McLean
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Trilok Gurtu
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Tommy Flanagan
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans , harmonica
- Arranger: Toshiko Akiyoshi
- Composer: Henry Threadgill
- Label: Verve Records
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Betty Carter
- Blues artist: Buddy Guy
- Blues group: BB King
- Beyond artist: Eddie Palmieri
- Beyond group: Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache Band
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Reissue of the Year: Bud Powell The Complete Bud Powell on Verve
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: JJ Johnson
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joe Lovano
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Lovano , Gunther Schuller Rush Hour (Blue Note)
- Blues Album of the Year: Buddy Guy Slippin 'In (Silvertone)
- "Beyond" album of the year: Eddie Palmieri Palmas (Elektra / Nonesuch)
- Big band: McCoy Tyner
- Acoustic jazz group: Charlie Haden ’s Quartet West
- Electric jazz group: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Lovano
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Roy Hargrove
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Airto Moreira
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John McLaughlin
- Piano: Tommy Flanagan
- Electric keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Henry Threadgill
- Arranger: Toshiko Akiyoshi
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: Buddy Guy
- Blues group: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache
- "Beyond" artist: Dr. John
1996
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Artie Shaw
- Jazz Artist of the Year: Joe Lovano
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Jazz group, acoustic: Charlie Haden 's Quartet West
- Jazz group, electric: John Scofield Group
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Tom Harrell
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Guitar: Bill Frisell
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Bass, acoustic: Charlie Haden
- Bass, electric: Steve Swallow
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Trilok Gurtu
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Piano: Keith Jarrett
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric Keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans (harmonica)
- Arranger: Toshiko Akiyoshi
- Composer: Randy Weston
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Label: Verve Records
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: Roomful of Blues
- Beyond artist: Cesária Évora
- Beyond group: Los Lobos
- Blues Album of the Year: Ronnie Earl Grateful Heart (Bullseye Blues)
- Beyond album of the year: Cachao Master Sessions Vol. II (Crescent Moon / Epic), Los Lobos Colossal Head (Warner Bros.)
- Jazz Album of the Year: Keith Jarrett Standards Trio Keith Jarrett at the Blue Note (ECM)
- Reissue of the Year: Miles Davis The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel (Columbia)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Horace Silver
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Joe Lovano
- Jazz Album of the Year: Joe Lovano Quartets: Life at the Village Vanguard (Blue Note)
- Blues Album of the Year: Buddy Guy Buddy Guy with GE Smith and the Saturday Night Life Band (Silvertone)
- "Beyond" album of the year: Los Lobos Colossal Head (Warner)
- Big Band: Count Basie
- Acoustic jazz group: Charlie Haden ’s Quartet West
- Electric jazz group: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Kenny Garrett
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Gerry Mulligan
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Tom Harrell
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John Scofield
- Piano: Keith Jarrett
- Electric keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans ( harmonica )
- Composer: Benny Carter
- Arranger: Maria Schneider
- Male vocal artist: Mark Murphy
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Los Lobos
- “Beyond” artist: Van Morrison
1997
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Tony Williams
- Jazz Artist of the Year: Sonny Rollins
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Jazz group, acoustic: Charlie Haden 's Quartet West
- Jazz group, electric: John Scofield Group
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Tom Harrell
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Guitar: John Scofield
- Violin: Stephane Grappelli
- Bass, acoustic: Charlie Haden
- Bass, electric: Steve Swallow
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Piano: Kenny Barron
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric Keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Other instruments: Steve Turre (mussel shells)
- Arranger: Maria Schneider (composer)
- Composer: Wynton Marsalis
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Label: Verve Records
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- Beyond artist: Cesária Évora
- Beyond group: Los Lobos
- Blues Album of the Year: James Cotton Deep in the Blues (Verve)
- Beyond Album of the Year: Meshell Ndegeocello Peace Beyond Passion (Warner Bros.)
- Jazz Album of the Year: Ornette Coleman Quartet Sound Museum Hidden Man (Harmolodic / Verve)
- Reissue of the Year: Miles Davis , Gil Evans The Complete Columbia Recordings (Columbia Legacy / Mosaic)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Nat King Cole
- Jazz musician of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz Album of the Year: Kenny Garrett Pursuance (Warner)
- Blues Album of the Year: James Cotton Deep in the Blues (Verve)
- "Beyond" album of the year: Sergio Mendes Oceano (Verve Forecast)
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Acoustic jazz group: Charlie Haden ’s Quartet West
- Electric jazz group: Pat Metheny Group
- Alto saxophone: Kenny Garrett
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Nick Brignola
- Soprano Saxophone: Wayne Shorter
- Trumpet: Tom Harrell
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: Bill Frisell
- Piano: Keith Jarrett
- Electric keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Steve Turre (mussel shells)
- Composer: Wynton Marsalis
- Arranger: Maria Schneider
- Male vocal artist: Mark Murphy
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Los Lobos
- “Beyond” artist: Sting
1998
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Elvin Jones
- Jazz musician of the year: Ornette Coleman
- Jazz Album of the Year: Bill Frisell Nashville (Nonesuch)
- Blues Album of the Year: Pinetop Perkins Born in the Delta (Telarc)
- Beyond album of the year: Buena Vista Social Club : Buena Vista Social Club (World Circuit / Nonesuch)
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Acoustic band: Art Ensemble of Chicago
- Electric band: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Nicholas Payton
- Trumpet: Steve Turre
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Violin: Regina Carter
- Guitar: Bill Frisell
- Piano: Kenny Barron
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Other instruments: Howard Johnson , tuba
- Arranger: Bill Holman
- Composer: Wynton Marsalis
- Label: Verve Records
- Male vocal artist: Joe Williams
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: Roomful of Blues
- Beyond artist: Bob Dylan
- Beyond group: Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache Band
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Reissue of the Year: Miles Davis Quintet 1965-1968. The Complete Studio Recordings (Columbia / Legacy)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Frank Sinatra
- Jazz musician of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz album of the year: TS Monk Monk on Monk
- Blues Album of the Year: BB King Deuces Wild (MCA)
- "Beyond" Album of the Year: Bob Dylan Time out of mind (Columbia)
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Acoustic Jazz Group: Keith Jarrett Standards Trio
- Electric jazz group: Pat Metheny Group
- Alto saxophone: Kenny Garrett
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Nick Brignola
- Soprano Saxophone: Wayne Shorter
- Trumpet: Tom Harrell
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Charlie Haden
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John Scofield
- Piano: Kenny Barron
- Electric keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Steve Turre (mussel shells)
- Composer: Wynton Marsalis
- Arranger: Bill Holman
- Male vocal artist: Kevin Mahogany
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache
- "Beyond" artist: Bob Dylan
1999
Critic Poll:
- Hall of Fame: Betty Carter
- Jazz Musician of the Year: Herbie Hancock
- Jazz Album of the Year: Herbie Hancock Gershwin’s World (Verve)
- Blues Album of the Year: Alvin Youngblood Hart Territory
- Beyond album of the year: Lauryn Hill : Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (RuffHouse), Lucinda Williams Car Wheels on Gravel Roads
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Acoustic band: Art Ensemble of Chicago
- Electric band: John Scofield
- Alto saxophone: Phil Woods
- Tenor saxophone: Joe Henderson
- Baritone saxophone: Hamiet Bluiett
- Soprano Saxophone: Steve Lacy
- Trumpet: Nicholas Payton
- Trumpet: Steve Turre
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Trilok Gurtu
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Dave Holland
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Violin: Regina Carter
- Guitar: Bill Frisell
- Piano: Kenny Barron
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Electric keyboard: Joe Zawinul
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans , harmonica
- Arranger: Bill Holman
- Composer: Randy Weston
- Label: Blue Note Records
- Male vocal artist: Kevin Mahogany
- Female vocal artist: Cassandra Wilson
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- Beyond artists: Cesária Évora , Lauryn Hill
- Beyond group: Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache Band, Cubanismo!
- Producer: Michael Cuscuna
- Reissue of the Year: Miles Davis The complete Bitches Brew Sessions (Columbia / Legacy)
Reader poll:
- Hall of Fame: Milt Jackson
- Jazz musician of the year: Wynton Marsalis
- Jazz Album of the Year: Herbie Hancock Gershwin’s World (Verve)
- Blues Album of the Year: BB King Deuces Wild (MCA)
- "Beyond" album of the year: Bob Dylan The Royal Albert Hall Concert Life 1966 (Columbia)
- Big Band: Mingus Big Band
- Acoustic Jazz Group: Keith Jarrett Standards Trio
- Electric jazz group: Pat Metheny Group
- Alto saxophone: Kenny Garrett
- Tenor saxophone: Sonny Rollins
- Baritone saxophone: Nick Brignola
- Soprano Saxophone: Wayne Shorter
- Trumpet: Tom Harrell
- Trumpet: JJ Johnson
- Clarinet: Don Byron
- Flute: James Newton
- Drums: Elvin Jones
- Percussion: Tito Puente
- Vibraphone: Milt Jackson
- Acoustic bass: Ray Brown
- Electric bass: Steve Swallow
- Guitar: John Scofield
- Piano: Brad Mehldau
- Electric keyboard: Herbie Hancock
- Organ: Jimmy Smith
- Other instruments: Toots Thielemans (harmonica)
- Composer: Wynton Marsalis
- Arranger: Bill Holman
- Label: Blue Note Records
- Male vocal artist: Kevin Mahogany
- Female vocal artist: Diana Krall
- Blues artist: BB King
- Blues group: BB King
- “Beyond” group: Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache
- “Beyond” artist: Sting