September 24th 2024.
Renowned jazz musician Benny Golson has passed away at the age of 95. The legendary tenor saxophonist and composer, known for his iconic pieces such as "I Remember Clifford," "Along Came Betty," and "Whisper Not," peacefully left this world on September 21 in his Manhattan home, surrounded by loved ones.
His daughter, Brielle Golson, confirmed the news of his passing, but has not disclosed the cause of death. Throughout his seven-decade career, Golson's talent and impact on the world of jazz was immeasurable. His technical virtuosity and ability to convey emotion through his music were greatly influenced by his early friendship with fellow saxophonist John Coltrane, growing up together in their hometown of Philadelphia.
Golson's musical genius was widely recognized and respected, not only for his performance skills, but also for his compositional brilliance. This rare combination of talents set him apart from other jazz musicians and allowed him to work with some of the most significant figures in the genre, including Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakey.
In 1959, Golson co-founded The Jazztet with flugelhorn player Art Farmer. The group became one of the leading ensembles of the hard bop era, producing groundbreaking music that pushed the boundaries of jazz. However, Golson's legacy extends far beyond his contributions to the jazz world. His compositions, such as "Killer Joe" and "Along Came Betty," have become staples in the repertoire of generations of musicians.
His talent also extended into the world of film and television, where he composed scores for popular shows like MASH, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix. But perhaps his most famous composition is "I Remember Clifford," a tribute to his friend and fellow musician Clifford Brown.
In 2004, Golson's fame reached new heights when he appeared as himself in Steven Spielberg's film The Terminal. The movie, starring Tom Hanks, featured a storyline in which Hanks' character travels to New York City to obtain Golson's autograph, the last one needed to complete a collection of signatures from all 58 musicians who appeared in the iconic 1958 photograph "A Great Day in Harlem." With Golson's passing, saxophonist Sonny Rollins is now the last living member from that photograph who was an adult at the time it was taken.
Golson's impact on jazz and popular culture will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Bobbie Golson, daughter Brielle, and several grandchildren. His music will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. If you have any stories or memories of Benny Golson's life and career, please share them with us. You can reach out to the The Agency entertainment team by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you.
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