Columbus, OH (April 24, 2026) —This evening, The Columbus Foundation presented local musician Bobby Floyd with The Spirit of Columbus® Award in recognition of his remarkable artistic achievement and contributions to the cultural life of central Ohio. Created in 2013 in honor of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly around the world solo, the award celebrates those in our community who exhibit bravery, determination, and inspiration through their actions.
Bobby Floyd
Floyd’s exceptional artistry as a keyboardist has earned him widespread acclaim. Born in Marion, Ohio, Floyd was shaped early in life by his father’s jazz collection and his church community, where he began performing at a young age. His natural talent and devotion to his craft launched a distinguished career that includes touring with legendary artists such as Ray Charles and Dr. John. Today, Floyd is a cherished member of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, where he continues to uplift the central Ohio community through music.
“Known for his extraordinary musicianship, this gentle giant of the keyboard is not only a crowd favorite whenever he plays, but a greatly admired colleague to the many musicians with whom he has and continues to perform,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “His virtuosity is only matched by his humanity on and off the stage. On behalf of all the local musicians who bring so much inspiration to our community day in and day out, we celebrate this singular sensation, Bobby Floyd.”
Floyd, an Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist, has toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally. In addition to his solo and orchestral performances with the Columbus Symphony and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, among others, Floyd also has his own jazz trio, the Bobby Floyd Trio.
In 2019, Floyd was selected as a recipient of the Raymond J. Hanley Award, an annual award from Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Raymond J. Hanley Fund at The Columbus Foundation. The award is given to an artist who has demonstrated a high level of achievement while working for at least five years in any arts discipline in Columbus. Floyd was also inducted into Lincoln Theatre’s Walk of Fame in 2015, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to jazz.
As this year’s honoree, Floyd will be featured as part of the Spirit of Columbus wall installation at The Columbus Foundation. He also received a Jerrie, a bronze miniature of the Jerrie Mock sculpture at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, created by local artist Renate Fackler.
Mock, a pilot and mother of three who lived in Bexley, took off from Port Columbus on March 19, 1964. After 29 days, 21 stops, and more than 23,000 miles, Mock safely landed her single-engine Cessna, named “Spirit of Columbus,” back in Columbus on April 17, 1964. Mock was named the first recipient of The Spirit of Columbus® Award in 2013.
To learn more about Mock’s historic journey and to view past Spirit of Columbus Award honorees, visit columbusfoundation.org/spirit-of-columbus.