Jazz legend Benny Golson, the celebrated tenor saxophonist and composer, died at 95 after a brief illness in Manhattan.
The Daily Mail reported that Golson, whose influential career spanned over seven decades, passed away at his home in Manhattan on Saturday.
Born in Philadelphia, Benny Golson began his musical journey at nine years old with piano lessons before switching to the saxophone at 14.
Already performing with local musicians during his high school years, Golson's early exposure to music shaped his future in jazz. His dedication led him to Howard University, where he honed his skills in writing and arranging music.
After college, Golson's career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. In 1959, alongside trumpeter Art Farmer, he co-founded The Jazztet. This group would become influential in the jazz world, marking the beginning of a prolific period for Golson.
During his time with The Jazztet, Golson composed several jazz standards, including "Killer Joe" and "Along Came Betty," tracks that would endure as quintessential pieces in the jazz repertoire. His ability to blend intricate harmonies with memorable melodies made his works staples among jazz musicians.
After The Jazztet disbanded in 1962, Golson did not pause his creative output. He shifted towards composing scores for television shows like "M*A*S*H," "Mission: Impossible," and "Cosby." This move highlighted his versatility and ability to adapt his musical talents to different formats.
Golson's influence extended into film music, and by the mid-1970s, he resumed playing actively. He revitalized The Jazztet in 1982, indicating his unwavering passion for jazz performance and composition.
Throughout the subsequent decades, Golson continued to perform and compose, showing remarkable longevity in an often turbulent musical landscape.
His contributions were not only musical; Golson also shared his life and insights in the 2016 autobiography "Whisper Not: The Autobiography of Benny Golson."
His final years were marked by involvement in various projects, even as the COVID-19 pandemic halted live performances. Golson's engagement in the creation of the documentary "Benny Golson: Looking Beyond The Horizon" was a testament to his continued passion for music and his desire to inspire future generations.
Benny Golson's health declined following a short illness, leading to his death in his Manhattan home. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Golson, daughter Brielle, and several grandchildren, while his three sons predeceased him. The loss is deeply felt in the jazz community and beyond.
Longtime agent Jason Franklin confirmed Golson's passing, noting, "He stopped performing when COVID-19 shut down music venues in 2020 but continued working on projects, such as giving interviews for a forthcoming documentary." Franklin also shared that Golson was pleased to see the rough cut of the documentary just weeks before his death.
Tributes have begun to pour in from across the globe. Actor and musician Steve Martin expressed his condolences on the social media platform X, stating, "Thanks for all of the great music." Golson's influence on jazz was profound, pairing his instrumental prowess with compositional genius.
Benny Golson's passing marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last living adult subjects of the iconic 1958 photograph "A Great Day in Harlem." With his departure, only Sonny Rollins remains of those jazz greats captured in that historic image.
In conclusion, Benny Golson’s legacy as a masterful saxophonist, a brilliant composer, and a dedicated musician remains unmatched. His contributions to jazz and his compelling life story continue to influence musicians and admirers worldwide. His death is a significant loss to the music world, but his melodies will resonate in the history of jazz forever.