After six years of studies, he earned a Master's degree in Jazz Vocal Performance.

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The following year he was recognized as a jazz master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Pulitzer panelists used their prerogative to skirt traditional rules by purchasing the CD and nominating the 77-year-old jazz master.

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In 2000, the National Endowment for the Arts recognized Byrd as a Jazz Master, the nation's highest jazz honor.

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