It was awarded annually by the Deutsche Phono-Akademie [de] between 2010 and 2018.
The awards had been given in 30 categories, including ensemble of the year, male and female singer of the year, record label, and lifetime achievement.
In 2012, the criteria for entry included album release date and "two outstanding reviews from music journalists."
Conductor Claus Ogermann was given the ECHO Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
[1] Awards were decided by a 12-member jury based on critical and commercial appeal.