BIRTHDAY
Sep 23, 1926 September 23
BIRTHPLACE
North Carolina
DEATH DATE
Jul 17, 2024 (age 40)
BIRTH SIGN
About
Influential saxophonist and composer best known for his influence on modern jazz. He was the recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
Trivia
As a saxophonist he received a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation and worked with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.
Before Fame
He joined the Navy as a young man and played in the Navy band.
Family Life
He married twice: To Juanita Grubbs and Alice Macleod. He had two children.
Associated With
The first time he saw Charlie Parker perform, he was inspired to play.