Sullivan Joseph Fortner (born December 29, 1986) is an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger known for his exceptional musical talent and contributions to modern jazz. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Fortner has captivated audiences worldwide with his improvisational prowess, technical brilliance, and deep understanding of jazz traditions.
He was the regular pianist in trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s band from 2010 to 2017 and has collaborated with prominent jazz musicians like Cécile McLorin Salvant, Paul Simon, and many more. Over the years, he has received multiple accolades, including a 2025 Grammy Award for his contribution to Samara Joy’s Twinkle Twinkle Little Me and multiple DownBeat Critics’ Poll wins.
In this article, we will explore Sullivan Fortner’s net worth, biography, age, height, weight, early life, career, family, relationships, albums, awards, and lesser-known facts.
Sullivan Fortner Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sullivan Joseph Fortner |
| Stage Name | Sullivan Fortner |
| Profession | Musician, Pianist, Composer |
| Hometown | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 38 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Years Active | 2000s – Present |
| Website | sullivanfortnermusic.com |
Early Life and Career
Early Years
Sullivan Fortner was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city known for its rich jazz heritage. He started playing piano at the young age of four, inspired by an organist in a local church. His mother, who was a choir director at a Baptist church, played a crucial role in nurturing his musical talents. By the age of seven, Fortner was already playing the organ in church, relying on his perfect pitch to learn and perform music.
His formal music education began at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), where he developed his skills under professional guidance. After NOCCA, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later obtaining a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
Rise in the Jazz Scene
Fortner’s breakthrough came in 2009 when he joined vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ band, which took him on a tour across Europe. Shortly after, in 2010, he was recruited as the pianist for Roy Hargrove’s quintet, a position he held until 2017. During this period, Fortner honed his craft and collaborated with jazz legends.
His self-awareness and commitment to growth led him to Barry Harris, a renowned bebop pianist, whose mentorship deeply influenced Fortner’s understanding of jazz improvisation and harmony.
Solo Career and Accolades
Fortner’s career as a bandleader began in 2015 with the release of his debut album “Aria” under Impulse! Records. This album received a four-star rating from DownBeat magazine and established him as a major figure in contemporary jazz. His second album, “Moments Preserved” (2018), was also well-received and featured performances by Roy Hargrove, Ameen Saleem, and Jeremy “Bean” Clemons.
In 2023, he released “Solo Game”, an ambitious project where he played multiple instruments, showcasing his versatility.
Collaborations and Grammy Recognition
Fortner has collaborated with many major artists, including:
- Paul Simon (In the Blue Light, 2018)
- Cécile McLorin Salvant (Dreams and Daggers, 2016; The Window, 2018; Ghost Song, 2020-21)
- Samara Joy, with whom he won a 2025 Grammy for Best Jazz Performance.
Family and Relationships
Sullivan Fortner keeps his personal life relatively private, and little is known about his family background or romantic relationships. However, he has openly spoken about his mother’s role in shaping his early musical career.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Mother | Church Choir Director |
| Mentor | Barry Harris (Jazz Pianist) |
Physical Appearance
Sullivan Fortner has an average build and maintains a professional yet relaxed stage presence. His dark brown eyes and black hair are notable features.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Sullivan Fortner’s net worth is estimated to be around $2-3 million (as of 2025). His income sources include:
- Album sales (Impulse! Records, Artwork)
- Live performances & tours
- Collaborations with renowned artists
- Teaching & masterclasses
- Music production & arrangements
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $2-3 million (estimated) |
| Primary Income | Live performances & recordings |
| Additional Income | Teaching, collaborations |
Awards and Honors
- 2015: Winner of the American Piano Awards Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz
- 2016: Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists
- 2016: Featured in DownBeat’s “25 for the Future”
- 2020: DownBeat Critics’ Poll Rising Star Arranger
- 2025: Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance (Twinkle Twinkle Little Me)
Discography
As Leader
- Aria (2015)
- Moments Preserved (2018)
- Tea for Two (2018, with Kyle Athayde)
- Solo Game (2023)
As Sideman (Selected)
- Paul Simon – In the Blue Light (2018)
- Cécile McLorin Salvant – Dreams and Daggers (2016), The Window (2018), Ghost Song (2020-21)
- Samara Joy – A Joyful Holiday (2023)
Lesser-Known Facts
- He has perfect pitch, allowing him to identify musical notes by ear.
- He started playing music by listening rather than reading sheet music.
- His first inspiration was a church organist in New Orleans.
- He was mentored by Barry Harris, a legendary jazz pianist.
- He is one of the few jazz pianists to win both a Grammy and the Cole Porter Fellowship.
- He plays multiple instruments, including Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, vocoder, and percussion.
- He has toured extensively across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
- His Grammy win in 2025 was for a song featuring Samara Joy.
- He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Village Vanguard, and major jazz festivals worldwide.
FAQs
Q: What is Sullivan Fortner’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is $2-3 million (as of 2025).
Q: How old is Sullivan Fortner?
A: He is 38 years old (born December 29, 1986).
Q: What instruments does he play?
A: He mainly plays piano but also plays organ, Rhodes, percussion, and more.
Conclusion
Sullivan Fortner is one of the most talented jazz pianists of his generation. With multiple awards, a growing discography, and international recognition, he continues to shape the future of jazz music.
“This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. Readers should verify details independently.”
