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Dorthaan Kirk has more than 50 years of experience in project management, concert production, music publishing, artist management, event planning and development. She is the widow of saxophonist/composer Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and since his death in 1977 she has made it her mission to build his legacy while continuing to serve as the administrator of his music publishing company, Rokir Music Corporation. Her hard work and dedication was rewarded when she was named a 2020 NEA Jazz Master for her work as a tireless advocate for Jazz.

In 1978, Ms. Kirk met Robert G. Ottenhoff, founder of WBGO Jazz 88.3, a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate in Newark, NJ. Mr. Ottenhoff asked her to join him as one of WBGO’s founders, because of her background in jazz, her close relationships in the jazz world and her professionalism. As WBGO’s Director of Community Relations and Special Events, Ms. Kirk’s duties ranged from producing and promoting concerts in various venues throughout New York and New Jersey as well as representing the radio station in civic forums. She also scheduled all on-air guests, ticket giveaways and promotions of area jazz venues and generated the music and public service calendar for the station. In addition, Ms. Kirk coordinated the WBGO Children’s Jazz Series and served as the coordinator of WBGO’s gallery, where she secured the artists to be exhibited and made all necessary arrangements for the gallery receptions. The on-air personalities were the voice of the station, but Dorthaan Kirk was the face.

Dubbed Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan retired from WBGO Jazz 88.3 in 2018 after four decades as a founding employee of the award-winning public radio station. While her dedication to the station remains steadfast, she says she may be working harder after her retirement than when she worked full-time. She continues to produce and book events throughout New Jersey, inspire and support young musicians through the Dorthaan Kirk Opportunity Scholarship, and serve as Consultant to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), where she hosts Dorthaan’s Place, a series of jazz brunches that brings together diverse members of the community and lovers of jazz to enjoy intimate music performances. Through it all, she never ceases to offer her time and expertise to help secure the future of the art form.

Ms. Kirk is also very active in her church, Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, under the leadership of the Reverend Timothy Levi Jones. There she is President of the Jazz Vespers Committee (now in its 21st Year), Secretary of the Lecture Committee and serves on various ad hoc committees.

When Dorthaan was named an NEA Jazz Master, she said, “I was absolutely stunned and speechless (I’m never speechless) when I learned I was receiving the award. What an honor to be in such great company of others that have received it and to be acknowledged in such a big way for the work I love to do in jazz.”

Dorthaan Kirk resides in East Orange, NJ. She is the mother of three daughters (one deceased0 and has five grandchildren.