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American jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and a central figure in the modern West Coast jazz renaissance.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Washington emerged from a deeply musical family. He gained widespread acclaim with his ambitious 2015 triple album 'The Epic', establishing himself as a leading force in contemporary jazz. Known for his powerful tenor saxophone sound, spiritual themes, and large ensemble arrangements, he bridges traditional jazz with influences from hip-hop, funk, soul, and classical music. His collaborations, notably with Kendrick Lamar on the landmark album 'To Pimp a Butterfly', have significantly expanded his audience beyond traditional jazz circles.

• His father, Rickey Washington, is a professional flautist and soprano saxophonist, providing early musical immersion.
• Attended the prestigious Academy of Music at Hamilton High School and later UCLA's Ethnomusicology Department, where he played alongside future collaborators like Terrace Martin and Thundercat.
• His breakthrough album, 'The Epic' (2015), is a sprawling 3-hour, 3-disc masterpiece recorded with his collective The Next Step and a 32-piece orchestra and 20-person choir. Its ambition and scale shocked the jazz world.
• He played a crucial role as a saxophonist and arranger on Kendrick Lamar's critically adored and culturally seismic album 'To Pimp a Butterfly' (2015), exposing his music to a vast hip-hop audience.
• Won the Jazz Times Readers' Poll for Musician of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year in 2018.