Billy Cobham, the pioneering drummer celebrated for his fusion of jazz with rock and funk, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards. The award ceremony, hosted by Ben Bailey Smith (AKA Doc Brown), will take place at KOKO in London on Thursday, April 24.
Cobham's innovative work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, and his acclaimed solo albums defined the jazz fusion movement in the 1970s. Spanning over five decades, his career has inspired countless artists across jazz, rock, funk, and beyond. Cobham expressed deep honor at being recognized for his contributions to the jazz community.
At 80, Cobham continues to explore new musical avenues. He is scheduled to perform at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival on May 3, 2025, and at the Union Chapel in London on October 25, 2025. Audiences can anticipate a set that reinterprets classic fusion elements and introduces new compositions, showcasing Cobham's dynamic and transformative approach to drumming.