Few musicians embody the heartbeat and soul of New Orleans jazz as Herlin Riley does.

Known throughout the jazz world for his masterful drumming, deep musicality, and commitment to preserving New Orleans musical traditions, Riley has spent decades performing alongside some of the greatest names in jazz history. From international concert halls to the streets of New Orleans, his rhythm has helped carry jazz’s spirit across generations.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Herlin Riley grew up immersed in music, culture, and tradition. The sounds of second-line parades, gospel, brass bands, and traditional jazz became part of his musical DNA early on. That foundation would later help shape him into one of the most respected drummers in modern jazz.

Throughout his career, Riley performed with legendary artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Ahmad Jamal, George Benson, Harry Connick Jr., and Marcus Roberts. His versatility allowed him to move effortlessly among traditional jazz, swing, bebop, gospel, and contemporary styles while always maintaining the unmistakable groove and spirit of New Orleans.

For Doc Jones and the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, bringing Herlin Riley to Arizona was more than simply booking a world-class drummer.

It was about introducing Scottsdale to authentic New Orleans culture.

As the International Jazz Day movement continued to grow in Arizona, Doc Jones envisioned creating a festival experience that captured the true flavor and musical spirit of New Orleans. Through years of relationships built within the jazz community and through International Jazz Day celebrations, Riley became part of that vision.

When Herlin Riley joined the lineup at the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival, audiences experienced more than technical excellence. They felt rhythm, history, storytelling, and tradition.

Every performance carried New Orleans’s pulse.

Riley’s presence helped strengthen the festival’s connection to jazz’s birthplace while elevating the Scottsdale Jazz Festival into a broader cultural experience. His performances alongside fellow New Orleans artists Kermit Ruffins, Donald Harrison, and Nayo Jones created unforgettable musical moments that connected Arizona audiences directly to the soul of New Orleans music.

Beyond his performances, Riley has become an important educator and ambassador for jazz culture. Through clinics, workshops, recordings, and performances around the world, he continues to inspire younger generations of musicians while preserving the traditions that shaped him.

His artistry reflects one of the core missions of UNESCO International Jazz Day — using jazz as a tool for education, cultural understanding, unity, and global connection.

Today, Herlin Riley remains among the most respected jazz drummers, carrying forward the traditions of New Orleans while continuing to inspire audiences worldwide.

At the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, his rhythm became part of Arizona’s growing ties to the global jazz movement.

For one unforgettable night, the heartbeat of New Orleans resonated through Scottsdale.

Arturo O’Farrill

Pianist, composer & conductor