Langston Hughes II

Langston Hughes II, at 22 years old, distinguishes himself as an accomplished saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator, positioning himself as one of the most promising young talents in music today.

Currently immersed in the pursuit of a master's degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in the vibrant landscape of New York City, Langston's musical journey began in his hometown near Washington D.C. Langston first began playing his horn in Prince George County public school system but, he later refined his craft at Howard University, under the mentorship of the renowned saxophonist and educator, Charlie Young III, and pianist Cyrus Chestnut, all while being sculpted by the diverse cultural influences of Washington D.C.

In 2023, Langston was granted admission into The Juilliard School, one of the nation’s leading music conservatories. There, his talents and approach swiftly garnered the attention of musical luminaries such as Rufus Reid, Wynton Marsalis, Ulysses Owens, and more. In his inaugural year at Juilliard, Langston embarked on tours with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra, shared stages with Rufus Reid, Jazzmeia Horn, Orrin Evans, Nat Adderley Jr., and is currently gearing up for an anticipated tour with Ulysses Owens Jr. and his Generation Y band in Tokyo, Japan.

Beyond performing alongside established musicians, Langston has led his own quartet at prestigious venues and festivals, including Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, The Kennedy Center, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and the DC Jazz Festival, leaving audiences captivated and yearning for more. As a featured soloist for the United States Army Blues Orchestra in 2021 and a Strathmore Artist in Residence throughout the 2021-2022 season, Langston consistently pushes the boundaries of his art.

In 2022, Langston was selected as a participant in the esteemed Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency at the John F. Kennedy Center, a performance and composition project discovering and presenting the next generation of jazz greats. There, Langston had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of Jason Moran, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Clarence Penn, Chris Thomas, and Chamille Thurman.

Beyond his performances, Langston is committed to music education, having taught over 50 students with the non-profit organization FAME (Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education). His influence extends through masterclasses at the Levine School of Music, Strathmore Music Center, and various middle and high schools in Prince George County, Maryland. Drawing from the wisdom imparted by his mentors, Langston believes in the significance of mentorship, striving to pass on the invaluable knowledge, experiences, and stories of past musical greats, ensuring the eternal resonance of the art form.

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