KIND OF BLUE –
March 2, 2023 – Wayne Shorter, an award-winning saxophonist, composer and bandleader has died. He was 89.
Shorter died on Thursday surrounded by his family in a hospital in Los Angeles, his rep confirmed to PEOPLE. A cause of death was not revealed.
“Wayne Shorter, my best friend, left us with courage in his heart, love and compassion for all, and a seeking spirit for the eternal future,” Herbie Hancock said in a statement. “He was ready for his rebirth. As it is with every human being, he is irreplaceable and was able to reach the pinnacle of excellence as a saxophonist, composer, orchestrator, and recently, composer of the masterful opera ‘…Iphigenia.’”
He continued, “I miss being around him and his special Wayne-isms but I carry his spirit within my heart always.”
Shorter began his career as a tenor and made a name for himself in the ‘60s before discovering his place as a soprano sax on jazz fusion band Weather Report.
