Jazz Legend Wayne Shorter dead; Cause Of Death, Innovator During an Era of Change in Jazz
Jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter dies at 89. Official sources confirmed the news to The New York Times. Wayne Short reportedly died at his home in Los Angeles on March 2.
Wayne Shorter was born in New Jersey and initially played clarinet in school before switching to saxophone. He grew up loving jazz, briefly serving in the U.S. Army before entering civilian life during New York’s post-bop heyday. Upon entering the club scene in the 1950s, he quickly impressed with his technical ability, sense of melody and clear desire to break new ground.
Miles Davis sought the influence of Wayne Shorter, who became a core member of the second largest quintet for trumpets. He joined Miles’ band in 1964 and made some groundbreaking recordings, combining avant-garde influences with other post-bop sounds.
As composer and bandleader, he made a string of blockbuster recordings to his name. Records like “Speak No Evil” forged a close association with Blue Note and remain iconic moments in modern jazz.
Wayne Shorter, a continuing developer, joined forces with his Miles colleague Joe Zawinul to form Weather Report, arguably one of the founding teams of what became known as Fusion. After Weather Report’s international success and disbanding in 1986, Wayne Shorter returned to various exciting solo projects.
The legend of modern improv music, Wayne Shorter, is living history – watching him perform live was a gateway to 52nd Street in the early ’60s, akin to stepping into those legendary Blue Note sessions. He left a priceless legacy.
