George Norlin Award Winner - Dave Grusin

Dave Grusin (Mus’56)

2016 George Norlin Award Winner 

Dave Grusin’s achievements could make anyone feel like an underachiever. It’s among his gifts that he never does.

Intimates describe the 10-time Grammy winner and Academy Award recipient as a rare species — a “creative genius” who brings out the best in others, whether they’re seasoned professional musicians or amateurs with a dream.

A masterful jazz pianist, Dave has been composing, playing, arranging or producing music professionally since the 1960s.

He has performed worldwide and worked with Quincy Jones, Jobim, Paul Simon, Bobby MacFerrin, James Taylor, Renee Fleming and many others. He’s written music for more than 100 films and television programs, including “The Graduate,” “Tootsie,” “On Golden Pond” and “St. Elsewhere.”

Nominated for the Academy Award eight times, he won in 1988 for his score for “The Milagro Beanfield War.”

Admired for his contagious enthusiasm, collaborative spirit and highly original output, Dave’s work often blends elements of jazz, pop and classical music.

Amid all this, Dave has made CU Boulder a priority.

A founding member of the College of Music Advisory Board, he has participated in the Conference on World Affairs for decades — and once returned early from an overseas tour to appear at the Tuesday night jazz concert. He’s performed live with CU musical groups, led students in master classes and given generously of his resources, providing major support for the renovation of the space today called Grusin Music Hall.

In the words of one CU music professor,

“He is a hero to us.”