Born in Chicago in 1987 and raised on the South Side, Hill’s deep connection to jazz was shaped by both formal education - earning a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s in jazz pedagogy - and invaluable lessons learned from mentors at gigs and jam sessions. By 2014, when he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz competition, Hill was already a firmly established figure in the Midwest jazz scene, known for his fluid virtuosity His reputation was bolstered by his work as a sideman, member of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and leader of several buzzworthy self-released albums.

Since that pivotal victory, Hill’s career has soared. He has received widespread acclaim in outlets such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, JazzTimes, NPR Music, and DownBeat, where he was named the “Rising Star–Trumpet” in the 2016 Critics Poll. As the leader of the Blacktet, Hill has captivated audiences worldwide with a relentless touring schedule. His collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Marcus Miller, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Joe Lovano, and Chicago’s own Makaya McCraven further underscore his versatility and influence.

Marquis Hill continues to shape the future of jazz, crafting a sound that honors tradition while boldly pushing boundaries.