Jazz legend Benny Golson, known for his talent as a tenor saxophonist and composer of iconic standards like “Killer Joe” and “Along Came Betty,” has passed away at the age of 95. Golson died on Saturday at his residence in Manhattan after a brief illness, according to his longtime agent Jason Franklin. Throughout his illustrious seven-decade career, Golson collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and John Coltrane. While he gained recognition for his compositions rather than his performances, Golson’s repertoire also included the heartfelt tribute “I Remember Clifford,” written after the tragic death of trumpeter Clifford Brown in 1956.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Golson began playing piano at nine years old before transitioning to the saxophone at fourteen. Even during high school, he started performing alongside local musicians such as childhood friend John Coltrane. It was during his time at Howard University that Golson began honing his skills as a music writer and arranger.
After stints with Dizzy Gillespie’s big band and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Golson co-founded The Jazztet in 1959 alongside flugelhorn master Art Farmer. Following their disbandment in 1962, he ventured into composing music for films and television shows like “Mannix,” “M-A-S-H,” and “Mission: Impossible.” Additionally, he arranged music for renowned performers such as Peggy Lee, Lou Rawls, and Dusty Springfield.
After more than a decade-long hiatus from performing on the saxophone, Golson made a comeback in the mid-1970s. In 1982, he revived The Jazztet with Art Farmer by launching a new version of the ensemble. Remarkably dedicated to his craft even into old age,Golson continued both performing live concerts and writing music well into his nineties.
In 2016,Golson published an autobiography titled “Whisper Not: The Autobiography of Benny Golson.” Despite COVID-19 forcing him to halt live performances last year due to venue closures,Golson remained active by participating in projects such as interviews for an upcoming documentary called “Benny Golson: Looking Beyond The Horizon.” Franklin revealed that just weeks ago,Golson had watched an early version of this film which brought him immense joy.
Throughout his career,Golson released numerous albums both as a solo artistandas partof various ensembles.He even made an appearance as himselfin Steven Spielberg’s2004 movie“The Terminal,”where Tom Hanks’ character travels from Eastern Europe to New York Cityto obtainGolson’s autograph.The scene pays homage tothe iconic1958 group photo“A Great Dayin Harlem,”which featured58 jazz musicians.Actorand musician Steve Martin paid tribute toGolsonon Sunday,stating“Thanksfor allthe greatmusic.”
With BennyGolson’s passing,Sonny Rollins is nowthe sole surviving adult subjectofthefamousphoto.“A Great Dayin Harlem.”
Survivors includehis wife,BobbieGolson,his daughter Brielle,and several grandchildren.Three sonsprecededhim indeath
