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. 

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