Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

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January 25, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Keyboard

 

Benny Golson is a renowned American jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He was born on January 25, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Golson grew up in a musical family, and his mother was a pianist. He started playing the piano at the age of nine and later switched to the saxophone. He was inspired by the music of Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins. Golson attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied music education. He also played in the university's jazz band, which was led by pianist and composer, John Malachi. After graduating from Howard, Golson moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In 1953, Golson joined the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, where he played alongside other jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, and Wynton Kelly. He also played with Lionel Hampton's band and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Golson's tenure with the Jazz Messengers was particularly significant, as he became the band's primary composer and arranger. Golson's compositions for the Jazz Messengers, such as "Blues March," "Along Came Betty," and "I Remember Clifford," became jazz standards and are still performed today. "I Remember Clifford" was written as a tribute to trumpeter Clifford Brown, who died in a car accident in 1956. The song has been recorded by numerous jazz musicians, including Arturo Sandoval, Freddie Hubbard, and Lee Morgan. In addition to his work with the Jazz Messengers, Golson also recorded several albums as a bandleader. His debut album, "The Modern Touch," was released in 1957 and featured his compositions and arrangements. He went on to record several more albums for various record labels, including Blue Note, Prestige, and Columbia. Golson's compositions are known for their melodic and harmonic sophistication. He often incorporated elements of blues and gospel music into his jazz compositions. His music has been described as "soulful" and "lyrical." In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Golson has also worked as an educator. He has taught at several universities, including the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City and the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Golson has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1995, he was inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame. He has also received the NEA Jazz Masters Award, the highest honor given to jazz musicians in the United States. In conclusion, Benny Golson is a highly respected jazz musician and composer. His contributions to the genre, particularly his compositions for the Jazz Messengers, have had a lasting impact on jazz music. His music continues to be performed and recorded by jazz musicians around the world.

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