Kurt Elling: 73rd Downbeat Readers Poll winner!

Kurt topped both the Downbeat Readers and Critics Polls this year as best male vocalist. A clean sweep!
73rd Annual Downbeat Readers Poll results:

Male Vocals

518 Kurt Elling
357 Tony Bennett
206 Bobby McFerrin
144 Joao Gilberto
143 Mark Murphy

And surprise, surprise:

Jazz Artist Album

331 Michael Brecker – Pilgrimage
292 Herbie Hancock – River
242 Maria Schneider – Sky Blue
182 Kurt Elling – Nightmoves
171 Keith Jarrett Trio – My Foolish Heart

Kurt’s many Downbeat awards:

* Critics Poll Winner: Male Vocalist of the Year — 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
* Critics Poll Winner: Talent Deserving Wider Recognition — 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
* Readers Poll Winner: Male Vocalist of the Year — 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008

Thanks to everyone who voted in this year’s Downbeat Readers Poll. And as always, many congratulations, Kurt!