Jazz Saxophonist Benny Golson Dies at 95

Benny Golson, the legendary tenor saxophonist and composer known for jazz standards such as 'Killer Joe' and 'I Remember Clifford,' died at the age of 95 at his home in Manhattan after a short illness. Over his seven-decade career, Golson collaborated with jazz icons like Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane, and he co-founded the influential group, The Jazztet, in 1959. His compositions became staples in the jazz repertoire, blending complex harmonies with memorable melodies, and he also made contributions to film and television music, scoring shows like 'M*A*S*H' and 'Mission: Impossible.' Golson's work helped shape the transition from bebop to hard bop, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. He was celebrated not just for his music but also for his engaging personality and eloquence as a conversationalist. The jazz community is mourning his loss, recognizing the significant legacy he leaves behind.