[1] The founder of the three-day festival was Paul Acket, a businessman and jazz lover who made a fortune in the 1960s with his pop magazine publishing company.

[2][3] When Acket sold his company in 1975, he was able to start and sponsor the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Acts included Count Basie, James Brown, Miles Davis, Billy Eckstine, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, James Taylor, Benny Goodman, and Sarah Vaughan among others.

Musicians that have performed at the Midsummer Jazz Gala include Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, and Oscar Peterson.

[2] The festival presents concerts in New Orleans jazz, swing, fusion, blues, gospel, funk, soul and drum and bass.