Phil Woods
Philip Wells Woods was born on November 2, 1931, and passed away on September 29, 2015. He was an American jazz musician who played the alto saxophone and clarinet, led music groups, and wrote music.
Al Cohn
Alvin Gilbert Cohn was born on November 24, 1925, and died on February 15, 1988. He was an American jazz musician who played the saxophone, arranged music, and wrote musical compositions. He became well-known for his work in the band led by clarinetist Woody Herman.
Zoot Sims
John Haley “Zoot” Sims (October 29, 1925 – March 23, 1985) was an American jazz musician who played the saxophone. He primarily played the tenor saxophone but also played the alto and, later, the soprano saxophone. He became famous as part of the “Four Brothers” group of saxophonists in Woody Herman’s big band.
Charlie Ventura
Charlie Ventura, who was born Charles Venturo on December 2, 1916, and passed away on January 17, 1992, was an American tenor sax player and bandleader from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Flip Phillips
Joseph Edward Filippelli, born on March 26, 1915, and died on August 17, 2001, was professionally known as Flip Phillips. He was an American musician who played the tenor saxophone and clarinet. He is most famous for working with Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts from 1946 to 1957.
Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis
Edward F. Davis (March 2, 1922 – November 3, 1986), known professionally as Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. It is not known how he received the nickname “Lockjaw” (later shortened to “Jaws”).
Sonny Stitt
Sonny Stitt (born Edward Hammond Boatner Jr.; February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982) was an American jazz saxophonist who played in the bebop and hard bop styles. He was known for his rich, warm sound and recorded more than 100 albums, making him one of the most well-recorded saxophonists of his time. Jazz critic Dan Morgenstern called him the “Lone Wolf” because he often worked with different musicians, even though he performed frequently and was very dedicated to his music.
Gene Ammons
Eugene “Jug” Ammons (April 14, 1925 – August 6, 1974), also called “The Boss,” was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was the son of Albert Ammons, a boogie-woogie pianist. Gene Ammons is remembered for his music that was easy for people to enjoy, influenced by soul and R&B.
Wardell Gray
Gray was the youngest of four children and was born in Oklahoma City. He lived in Oklahoma during his early childhood. In 1929, he and his family moved to Detroit, Michigan.
Dexter Gordon
Dexter Gordon (February 27, 1923 – April 25, 1990) was an American jazz musician who played the tenor saxophone, composed music, and led bands. He was one of the most important early bebop musicians. Gordon was 6 feet 6 inches tall (198 cm), which led people to call him “Long Tall Dexter” and “Sophisticated Giant.” His career in music studios and performances lasted more than 40 years.