Wayne Shorter (1933-2023) died in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 89, his agent Alisse Kingsley confirmed, according to The New York Times. Shorter’s cause of death is unknown.
The legendary musician, who was born in Newark in 1933, was considered one of the most influential jazz saxophonists and composers. Shorter has received numerous awards throughout his multi-decade career. Among other things, he was nominated for 23 Grammy Awards, of which he was able to win eleven. At the beginning of February he was awarded Leo Genovese for “Best Improvised Jazz Solo Performance” at this year’s Grammys.
Shorter received another Grammy for lifetime achievement. A press release in 2014 said that he had made a name for himself as “a leading figure in jazz”. In addition to other excellent artists, the saxophonist has made “rich contributions to our culture and history”.
He was an “enigmatic, bold saxophonist who shaped the color and contour of modern jazz as one of its most revered composers,” the US daily said in the report. Last but not least, Shorter played alongside other greats such as Herbie Hancock (82), Miles Davis (1926-1991) and Freddie Hubbard (1938-2008).
