Renowned jazz saxophonist and composer Benny Golson, known for his classic compositions such as “Killer Joe” and “Along Came Betty,” has died at the age of 95.
Golson passed away on Saturday at his home in Manhattan after a brief illness, as confirmed by his long-time agent, Jason Franklin.
Over a musical career spanning seven decades, Golson collaborated with some of jazz’s most celebrated artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and John Coltrane. While he was an accomplished performer, much of his legacy rests on his compositions, notably “I Remember Clifford,” which he wrote in 1956 following the tragic death of his friend, trumpeter Clifford Brown, in a car accident at the age of 25.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Golson began playing the piano at age 9 before transitioning to the saxophone at 14. While still in high school, he started performing with local musicians, including his childhood friend Coltrane.
Golson began writing and arranging music during his time at Howard University. After playing in Gillespie’s big band and drummer Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, he co-founded The Jazztet in 1959 alongside flugelhorn virtuoso Art Farmer.
The Jazztet disbanded in 1962, after which Golson focused on composing for film and television, contributing music to shows like “Mannix,” “MAS*H,” and “Mission: Impossible.” He also arranged music for various artists, including Peggy Lee, Lou Rawls, and Dusty Springfield.
After more than a dozen years away from the saxophone, Golson returned to performing in the mid-1970s and reestablished The Jazztet with Farmer in 1982. He continued to perform and write music into his 90s.
In 2016, he published his autobiography, “Whisper Not: The Autobiography of Benny Golson.”
Franklin, who worked with Golson for 25 years, noted that Golson ceased performing when COVID-19 closed music venues in 2020, but he remained active in other projects, including interviews for an upcoming documentary titled “Benny Golson: Looking Beyond The Horizon.” Franklin revealed that Golson had seen a rough cut of the film just a few weeks prior to his passing and was thrilled with it.
Throughout his career, Golson released dozens of albums as a solo artist and as part of various ensembles. He also made a cameo appearance as himself in the 2004 Steven Spielberg film “The Terminal,” where the main character, played by Tom Hanks, seeks Golson’s autograph to complete his collection of signatures from all 58 jazz musicians featured in the iconic 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem.”
Actor and musician Steve Martin paid tribute to Golson in a post on X, recalling the film scene and expressing gratitude for Golson’s remarkable contributions to music.
With Golson’s passing, Sonny Rollins remains the last living subject from the famous photograph who was an adult at the time it was taken.
Golson is survived by his wife, Bobbie Golson, daughter Brielle Golson, and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons.
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