Pianist, composer and Blue Note recording artist Geri Allen received the "Lady of Soul Award" for Best Jazz Album as part of the first annual "Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards" presented Sunday, August 6 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in front of a prime-time national TV audience. "This award came as a surprise, especially given the nominees in my category who where so richly deserving of this honor. I am proud to be associated with this program given their sincere interest in the achievements of African American women."

The "Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards" is the first two-hour, nationally syndicated prime-time television special honoring the best female recording artists in the fields of R&B, Rap/Hip Hop, Jazz and Gospel in 10 musical categories. The program was produced by Don Cornelius Productions, Inc., creators and producers of the long-running "Soul Train" weekly dance show and the highly acclaimed "Soul Train Music Awards" that has appeared annually since 1987.

Geri Allen will be awarded The JAZZPAR Prize as part of the 1996 JAZZPAR project organized by the Danish Jazz Center. Exclusively sponsored by Skandinavisk Tobakakompagni, the JAZZPAR prize is the world's only grand international award presented annually and managed solely by people from the jazz world. Along with the honor and a statuette, it carries a cash reward of 36,000. The Prize presentation will take place at the  JAZZPAR Gala Concert in Copenhagen, Denmark on March 17, 1996.

Allen is the first woman musician to receive the prize. "I'm deeply honored to receive the JAZZPAR prize," states Allen. "Along with many of my American colleagues whom were past winners, I am sincerely moved by the international interest in my career. It is gratifying to know that American jazz artists are recognized and supported for their contributions outside the United States."

Past JAZZPAR Prize recipients include: Muhal Richard Abrams (1990), David Murray (1991), Lee Konitz (1992), Tommy Flanagan (1993), Roy Haynes (1994) and the first non-U.S. winner, British saxophonist, clarinetist and composer Tony Coe (1995).

Geri has also been named by Essence Magazine as one of 200 extraordinary women who have changed the world (25th Anniversary Issue).