Marshall Allen is a living monument to the spirit of jazz.
—Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, Co-Founders of Unsigned Only
The Unsigned Only Music Awards is honored to announce that Marshall Allen, the respected alto saxophonist and leader of the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, has been named the Best Jazz Artist in the 2025 awards.
At 101 years old, Allen has been a pioneering force in avant-garde jazz for over six decades, proving that his artistry is as vital and visionary as ever. Widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work with Sun Ra and his stewardship of the Arkestra since 1995, Allen is revered as one of the most important living figures in jazz. His distinctive sound on the alto saxophone and his fearless embrace of experimentation have shaped generations of musicians, while his dedication to keeping Sun Ra’s cosmic vision alive has cemented his place as a true cultural icon.
After decades of working with the Sun Ra Arkestra and as a collaborator with countless innovators, Allen has finally has stepped out under his own name, releasing his debut solo album, New Dawn, in February 2025.
“Marshall Allen is a living monument to the spirit of jazz,” said Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, Co-Founders of Unsigned Only. “His influence on generations of musicians is immeasurable, and this honor is a tribute to his extraordinary legacy and a celebration of his ongoing creativity. We are humbled to recognize him with this award.”
Now in its 13th year, Unsigned Only is a leading international Music Awards dedicated to discovering and honoring exceptional independent talent across all contemporary music genres. Judged by a panel of acclaimed recording artists and music industry executives, the Awards have become a platform for both emerging and established artists to gain recognition on a global stage.
Unsigned Only honors winners in each of the 23 categories plus an overall Artist of The Year Award, given to Australian artist Orlando Kallen. Hailing from all over the world (63% of this year’s winners come from outside the USA), they range from talented amateurs to seasoned performers.
For a complete list of winners, go to the Unsigned Only website.
Industry Professionals: Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Michael J. West (Reviews Editor, DownBeat); Jason Lipshutz (Music Editor, Billboard); Kevin McNeese (President, NewReleaseToday); Damon Stewart (CEO, IGA Talent Mgmt & Consulting); James Whitting (Partner, Paradigm Talent Agency); Carys Anderson (Staff Writer, The Austin Chronicle); John Dibiase (President, Jesus Freak Hideout); Angel Romero (Founder/Sr. Editor, World Music Central); Cy White (Music Journalist); Art Tipaldi (Editor, Blues Music Magazine); Paul Riario (Tech Editor, Guitar World); James Kempner (Owner, JMK Connections); Jennifer Taunton (Music Supervisor, Level Two Music); Mark Garfield (Co-Director, Pop-Up Music UK Ltd.); Brinson Strickland (President, Collective Artist Management); Debra Delshad (Sr. Director, Synchronization and Licensing, Angry Mob Music); Brandon Chitwood (Founder/Writer, The EDM Scholar); Tony Gervino (Exec. VP / Editor-In-Chief, Tidal); Nikita Konkin (Artist Manager); Roy Hamilton 111 (Management Team, The Singer’s Company); Claire Green (President, Parents Choice Foundation); and David Silbaugh (Talent Buyer, Summerfest).
Unsigned Only is sponsored by: The Church Studio; Play MPE; iProdigy; Merch Cat; and Music Business Registry.
At 101 years old, Allen has been a pioneering force in avant-garde jazz for over six decades, proving that his artistry is as vital and visionary as ever. Widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work with Sun Ra and his stewardship of the Arkestra since 1995, Allen is revered as one of the most important living figures in jazz. His distinctive sound on the alto saxophone and his fearless embrace of experimentation have shaped generations of musicians, while his dedication to keeping Sun Ra’s cosmic vision alive has cemented his place as a true cultural icon.
After decades of working with the Sun Ra Arkestra and as a collaborator with countless innovators, Allen has finally has stepped out under his own name, releasing his debut solo album, New Dawn, in February 2025.
“Marshall Allen is a living monument to the spirit of jazz,” said Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, Co-Founders of Unsigned Only. “His influence on generations of musicians is immeasurable, and this honor is a tribute to his extraordinary legacy and a celebration of his ongoing creativity. We are humbled to recognize him with this award.”
Now in its 13th year, Unsigned Only is a leading international Music Awards dedicated to discovering and honoring exceptional independent talent across all contemporary music genres. Judged by a panel of acclaimed recording artists and music industry executives, the Awards have become a platform for both emerging and established artists to gain recognition on a global stage.
Unsigned Only honors winners in each of the 23 categories plus an overall Artist of The Year Award, given to Australian artist Orlando Kallen. Hailing from all over the world (63% of this year’s winners come from outside the USA), they range from talented amateurs to seasoned performers.
For a complete list of winners, go to the Unsigned Only website.
The complete panel of judges includes
Recording Artists: Aimee Mann; LeAnn Rimes; Robert Smith (The Cure); Jill Scott; Arty; Rodney Atkins; Sanctus Real; I Am They; Ruthie Foster; Chris Culos (O.A.R.); Janiva Magness; Nicholas Petricca (Walk The Moon); The Devil Makes Three; Russ Landau; Chaerin Kim; Masa Takumi; and Lucy Kalantari.Industry Professionals: Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Michael J. West (Reviews Editor, DownBeat); Jason Lipshutz (Music Editor, Billboard); Kevin McNeese (President, NewReleaseToday); Damon Stewart (CEO, IGA Talent Mgmt & Consulting); James Whitting (Partner, Paradigm Talent Agency); Carys Anderson (Staff Writer, The Austin Chronicle); John Dibiase (President, Jesus Freak Hideout); Angel Romero (Founder/Sr. Editor, World Music Central); Cy White (Music Journalist); Art Tipaldi (Editor, Blues Music Magazine); Paul Riario (Tech Editor, Guitar World); James Kempner (Owner, JMK Connections); Jennifer Taunton (Music Supervisor, Level Two Music); Mark Garfield (Co-Director, Pop-Up Music UK Ltd.); Brinson Strickland (President, Collective Artist Management); Debra Delshad (Sr. Director, Synchronization and Licensing, Angry Mob Music); Brandon Chitwood (Founder/Writer, The EDM Scholar); Tony Gervino (Exec. VP / Editor-In-Chief, Tidal); Nikita Konkin (Artist Manager); Roy Hamilton 111 (Management Team, The Singer’s Company); Claire Green (President, Parents Choice Foundation); and David Silbaugh (Talent Buyer, Summerfest).
Unsigned Only is sponsored by: The Church Studio; Play MPE; iProdigy; Merch Cat; and Music Business Registry.
