Wayne Shorter (1933–2023), jazz saxophonist who co-founded Weather Report

Wayne Shorter was an iconic jazz saxophonist with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, the Miles Davis Quintet, and Weather Report.

Michael Henderson (1951–2022), R&B singer and Miles Davis’ bassist

Michael Henderson was a bassist in band as well as an R&B singer with hits including “Wide Receiver.”

Betty Davis (1944–2022), singer known as the “Queen of Funk”

Betty Davis was a pioneering singer known as the “Queen of Funk,” as well as jazz legend second wife.

Badal Roy (1939–2022), pioneering tabla player

Badal Roy was a pioneering Indian tabla player who played with jazz legends Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman.  

James Mtume (1946–2022), legendary jazz and R&B musician

James Mtume was a legendary jazz and R&B percussionist, producer, and composer known for the hit single ‘Juicy Fruit.’    

Chick Corea (1941–2021), pioneering jazz fusion keyboardist

Chick Corea was a legendary Grammy-winning jazz keyboardist who pioneered jazz fusion as a member of Miles Davis's band and in his solo career.

Cicely Tyson (1924–2021), award-winning star of “Sounder,” “The Help”

Cicely Tyson, the award-winning actress whose film, television, and theater roles included “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” “Roots,” "King," "Sounder," and “The Help,” died Thursday, her family announced.

Jimmy Cobb (1929–2020), jazz drummer for Miles Davis who played on “Kind of Blue”

Jimmy Cobb was a jazz drummer best known for his work with , including on the seminal album “Kind of Blue.”

Lee Konitz (1927–2020), pioneering cool jazz saxophonist

Lee Konitz, legendary saxophonist who played on “Birth of the Cool,” died Wednesday of complications from coronavirus at 92.

Wallace Roney (1960–2020), jazz trumpet legend

Wallace Roney was a jazz trumpet legend who was the only protégé of jazz giant Miles Davis. An accomplished jazz trumpeter at a young age, he met Miles Davis after he performed at a tribute concert for his idol. The two became close friends and they performed together once at a concert in 1991. Roney was part of the “Young Lions” group of jazz musicians in the 1980s who were bringing back the bebop sound. He released many critically acclaimed albums as a band leader.

Jimmy Heath (1926–2020), legendary jazz saxophonist

Jimmy Heath was a legendary jazz saxophonist who played with jazz giants John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Heath, who stood 5-foot-3-inches, was called Little Bird, an homage to legendary saxplayer Charlie Bird Parker and a tribute to Heath's skill.Overcoming an addiction to heroin, Heath was a prolific musician for over seven decades and a pioneer of be-bop. He later taught music at Queens College.

The Summer Rock Went Dark

Fifty years ago, the sunny optimism of the Summer of Love yielded to a darker season—the Summer of '68.

Ndugu Chancler (1952–2018), legendary session drummer

Ndugu Chancler, legendary session drummer who played on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” has died at the age of 65, according to multiple news sources.

Rudy Van Gelder (1924–2016), jazz recording engineer

Legendary jazz recording engineer.

Dizzy Gillespie, Blow Your (Bent) Horn

It was Dizzy Gillespie's talent and innovative style that placed him in the ranks of the all-time greatest jazz musicians… but his distinctive look didn't hurt. The bulging cheeks are essential to Gillespie's image—even people who have never heard his music are likely to recognize a photo of him. And then there was his trumpet with its bell bent upward at a 45-degree angle.

Miles Davis' Sidemen

Miles Davis  (1926–1991) is widely regarded as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, being at the cutting edge of bebop, hardbop, and fusion, just to name a few of the jazz movements he helped shape. Along the way, he influenced generations of musicians, including many sidemen who would enjoy influential and successful careers of their own. We take a look at some of the celebrated sidemen who’ve joined Davis in that great jazz combo in the sky.