Wynton found what he was looking for when he joined the Jazz Messengers, led by bebop drummer Art Blakeley. A fellow musician from the Messengers recalls Wynton's engery when he first joined them, He had a natural gift for gettting audience involved in his solos. . . He picked up the trumpet and played the hell out of it.' (Gourse 39) .
At age 20, Wynton was discovered by Bruce Lundvall, then president of Columbia Records. He immediately signed a deal and was told that he would now be able to lead his own group. Importantly, his recording deal was not only for his jazz music, but his classical as well. Wynton formed his band, including brother Brandford and got to work on their first release, Wynton Marsalis'' in 1982. The critics were often harsh but praised Marsalis for his tone, the first album would be grammy nominated. .
In both 1983 and 1984 Marsalis and his band would go on to win two Grammy awards. Marsalis also claimed one in 1984 for his classical music. During his various acceptance speeches Wynton took every opportunity to denounce the jazz fusion movement. Marsalis made enemies with these comments because they often seemed to be directed towards Miles Davis. .
After the departure of several key members of his band Marsalis formed the Wynton Marsalis Quartet in 1985. As the group developed so did Marsalis, his music became individualized, and even though he echoed early Davis and Clark Terry he made the music uniquley his own. His music carried chill tone, and jabbing attacks,' and the now-you-hear-it-now-you-don't approach to the beat'' was provactive and intriguing. (Davis 1) .
As Wynton's career horizons expanded so did his heart. He often spent his off time during tours visiting local schools practicing with and motivating various youngsters. Wyton thrived off of the energy the young kids put out and wanted to help them as much as he could. In 1987 there was a movement to bring Jazz to Lincoln Center.