By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival honored music icon Charles Wright with a Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s festival at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, recognizing his decades-long impact on music and culture as a songwriter, producer, and bandleader of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.
Wright, who served as the festival’s presenting sponsor, was celebrated for his timeless anthem “Express Yourself,” which became more than a hit record and instead grew into a lasting message of self-confidence, authenticity, and empowerment that continues to resonate with audiences today. This year’s festival took its theme, “Express Yourself,” directly from Wright’s iconic song and legacy.
The honor also marked the celebration of Wright’s new memoir, also titled “Express Yourself,” which chronicles his journey from the Jim Crow South and 1950s Los Angeles to musical success, and reflects on overcoming adversity while navigating the triumphs and challenges of the music industry. Every festival attendee received a complimentary copy of the book as part of this year’s experience.
Festival host Eric Darius and Rainbow Promotions CEO Kim Benoit led the tribute, presenting Wright with the award before a standing ovation from the crowd.
“Each year, the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival brings together an incredible mix of iconic artists and fan favorites in one of the most beautiful settings in the country,” said Kim Benoit. “Honoring Charles Wright with this Lifetime Achievement Award was a true highlight, recognizing not just his musical legacy but his ongoing influence on artists and audiences alike.”
The tribute capped a festival weekend that featured performances from Boney James, Lalah Hathaway, Acoustic Alchemy, Bob James, Brian Simpson, Kim Waters, Jessy J, Najee, and Pieces of a Dream, supported by U.S. Bank and the Yes We Cann Foundation.
For more information, visit San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival.
