Albert “Tootie” Heath was a jazz percussionist who played with John Coltrane (1926–1967), Nina Simone (1933–2003), Herbie Hancock, and others, including his own brothers in Heath Brothers.
- Died: April 3, 2024 (Who else died on April 3?)
- Details of death: Died in Santa Fe, New Mexico of leukemia at the age of 88.
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Albert Heath’s legacy
Born in Philadelphia to a family filled with musicians, including brothers Jimmy Heath (1926–2020) on saxophone and Percy Heath (1923–2005) on bass, Albert Heath made his recorded debut in 1957 in a big way: on John Coltrane’s first album as a session leader. He played with Coltrane again on 1961’s “Lush Life.” Heath began performing with many jazz luminaries during this period, including Dexter Gordon (1923–1990), Art Farmer (1928–1999), Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone, and many others.
In 1975, Heath joined his brothers, along with pianist Stanley Cowell (1941–2020), to form the jazz ensemble Heath Brothers. They played together on and off through the 2000s. Albert was the last surviving brother. He also recorded a string of solo albums, including 1973’s “Kwanza (The First),” which also featured Jimmy and Percy Heath, among other musicians.
Heath’s nickname, “Tootie,” came from his grandfather, who gave him the name due to Albert’s love of tutti-frutti ice cream. Heath earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America and was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2021. He was widely praised for his expressive, unobtrusive playing.
Tributes to Albert Heath
Full obituary: Santa Fe New Mexican
