Jazz great Buddy DeFranco dies at age 91

[n2doc]

Source: AP/SFGate

Renowned jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, who led the way on his instrument in the transition between the swing and bebop eras, has died at the age of 91, his family said Friday.

DeFranco's family told The Associated Press that the famed musician died Wednesday evening at a Panama City hospital. His wife, Joyce, said he had been in declining health in recent years. The couple lived in Panama City.

DeFranco, who began his professional career as a teenager in the late 1930s, made both concert and recording appearances with many of the top singers and musicians of his era, including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum.

"We have received condolences from around the world," said Joyce DeFranco. She said her husband's influences on music will last long beyond his lifetime.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Jazz-great-Buddy-DeFranco-dies-at-age-91-5979869.php

[Archae]

1. He was very good.

[shenmue]

2. Rest in peace

[malthaussen]

3. Too bad

But at 91, you could say he had a good run.

-- Mal

[Skidmore]

4. So many of the greats are leaving us. nt