Well, now the proverbial jazz cat is out of the proverbial jazz bag.

Less than a week since first posting this list of the Top 10 Oldest Living Jazz Musicians, I’ve received dozens of emails with lists and lists of people I’ve missed. Clark Terry now drops to #3 behind 102-year old Lionel Ferbos and 95-year old Gerald Wilson and our original #2, Jimmy Heath, has plummeted to #18 (a drop similar to Tony Bennett, who cascaded from #3 to #20).

Jon Hendricks, Toots Thielmans, Eugene Wright, Sammy Nestico and Terry Gibbs are all now in the Top 10. For obvious humanitarian reasons, not to mention my own editorial sanity, I hope no one passes away until at least next week.

01 of 19

Irv Williams

96 Years Old (Born August 9, 1919)

Saxophonist Known for his focus on the Great American Songbook (and his ability to play in any key) Former public school teacher Played with Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams and Billy Eckstine Still plays a weekly gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis

02 of 19

Jon Hendricks

Jon Hendricks, 2014.  Charles Norfleet/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born September 16, 1921)

Cornerstone of jazz singing for over 50 yearsOriginator of “vocalese” styleCreator of Lambert, Hendricks and RossCalled by Time magazine the “James Joyce of Jive” 

03 of 19

Toots Thielemans

Toots Thielemans, 2007. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born April 29, 1922)

One of the great harmonica players of all time.NEA Jazz Master Recorded with everyone from Bill Evans to Billy JoelWas also the guy who did the whistle in the Old Spice commercialsRetired this past March

04 of 19

Eugene Wright

Eugene Wright with Sonny Clark, 1960. Michael Ochs/Getty Images

92 Years Old (Born May 29, 1923) 

Also known as “The Senator” Best known as the bassist on Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album Also worked with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and many others Only living member of the classic Brubeck quartet

05 of 19

Bob Dorough

Bob Dorough, 1950. Tom Copi/Michael Ochs/Getty Images

91 Years Old (Born December 12, 1923)

Bop pianistWorked with Miles Davis and Blossom DearieInfluenced by Mose AllisonComposer of numerous tunes from the TV show Schoolhouse RockArkansas Jazz Hall Of Fame inductee

06 of 19

Sammy Nestico

Sammy Nestico (R) with Frank Stallone, 2006. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

 91 Years Old (Born February 6, 1924)

Composer and arranger Best known for his work with Count Basie Also worked with Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Toni Tenille and Barbra Streisand Recorded a Basie inspired album with Quincy Jones  Scored music for 70s TV shows (Charlie’s Angels, Mannix, Mission:Impossible) and wrote jingles for Ford, Mattel and Dodge

07 of 19

Marshall Allen

Marshall Allen. Seth Tisue/Creative Commons

91 Years Old (Born May 25, 1924)

SaxophonistStudent of James MoodyOccasional recording artistLongtime associate of Sun Ra and, now, the leader of his orchestra.

08 of 19

Terry Gibbs

Terry Gibbs, 1950. GAB/Redferns/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born November 13, 1924)

Born Julius GubenkoPlayed with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich andAlso made frequent appearances on TV, including The Steve Allen Show during the 1950sPublished autobiography, Good Vibes: A Life In Jazz, in 2003

Click Next For Our “Bonus Old Guys (And A Gal)” Section and “Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention”

09 of 19

Barbara Carroll

Barbara Carroll, 2012. Daniel-Zuchnik/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born January 25, 1925)

Classically trained; attended New England ConservatoryDubbed “first girl to play bebop piano” in 1947 by Leonard FeatherOnce toured with Rita Coolidge and Kris KristoffersonLater became a cabaret player

10 of 19

Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes, 2010. Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic/Getty Images

 89 Years Old (Born March 13, 1925)

One of the loosest jazz drummers ever Has played everything from swing to bop to fusion 33 albums as a leader Recorded with Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy and Kenny Burrell, to name just a few.

11 of 19

Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli (R) with son, John Pizzarelli, 2011. Clayton Call/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born January 9, 1926)

Guitarist Influenced by Django Reinhardt and Freddie Green One time member of Dick Cavett’s Band 30 albums dating back to 1960

12 of 19

Randy Weston

Randy Weston, 2006. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born April 6, 1926) 

Pianist Influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk First album: Cole Porter In A Modern Mood (Riverside, 1954) Most recent Album: The Stroyteller (Motema, 2009) Also record with Mingus

13 of 19

Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson, 2003. KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born November 1, 1926) 

Saxophonist Heavily influenced by Charlie Parker Has record nearly 50 albums First recording: Quartet/Quintet/Sextet (Blue Note. 1954)

14 of 19

Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath, 2008. Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

 88 Years Old (Born October 25, 1926)​

Switch from alto to tenor sax because of Charlie ParkerPlayed with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” HeathWrote most of Chet Baker and Art Pepper’s Playboys albumTeaches at Queens College in NYHis debut album was called The Thumper

15 of 19

Dick Hyman

Dick Hyman, c. 1960. Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born March 8, 1927) 

PianistHas recorded over 100 albumsHas worked on a number of films as pianist, composer, conductor and/or music director, including more than 10 Woody Allen filmsHas also composed for ballet and theater

16 of 19

Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention

Tony Bennett - 89 (Singer) Kelan Phil Cohran - 88 (Trumpet) Lee Konitz - 87 (Saxophone) Mose Allison - 87 (Piano) Ernie Andrews - 87 (Singer) Doc Severinson - 88 (Trumpet) Freddie Redd - 87 (Piano) Sheila Jordan - 86 (Singer) Jimmy Cobb - 86 (Drummer) Benny Golson - 86 (Saxophone) Cecil Taylor - 86 (Piano) Barry Harris - 85 (Piano) Marty Grosz - 85 (Guitar) Ornette Coleman - 85 (Saxophone) Sonny Rollins - 84 (Saxophone) Ahmad Jamal - 85 (Piano) Ira Sullivan - 84 (Trumpet) Plas Johnson - 84 (Bass) Charles Davis - 82 (Saxophone) Quincy Jones - 82 (Trumpet, Producer) Wayne Shorter - 81 (Sax) Warren Smith - 81 (Drummer) Curtis Fuller - 80 (Trombone) Tootie Heath - 80 (Drums) Harold Mabern - 79 (Piano) Ron Carter - 78 (Bass) Louis Hayes - 78 (Drums) Allen Toussaint - 77 (Piano) Marvin Stamm - 76 (Trumpet) McCoy Tyner - 76 (Piano) Herbie Hancock - 75 (Piano) John McLaughlin- 73 (Guitar) Chick Corea - 72 (Piano) Keith Jarrett - 70 (Piano) Anthony Braxton - 69(Sax)

17 of 19

Gunther Schuller

Gunther Schuller, 2007. Hiroyuki Ito/Hulton/Getty Images

 90 Years Old (November 22, 1925 - June 21, 2015)

Son of a New York Philharmonic violinistPlayed horn with the American Ballet Theater at 15 years oldAppointed to Cincinnati Symphony at age 20Founded Modern Jazz Society with John Lewis in 1955Invented “third stream” music, a combination of classical and jazz 

18 of 19

Those Dearly Departed

Clark Terry 2001. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Clark Terry

94 Years Old (December 20, 1920 - February 21, 2015 )

Swing and bebop trumpeter Flugelhorn innovator Educator NEA Jazz Master Played with Charlie Barnet, , Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, among others. Recorded over 85 albums Still looks cool in shades

Gerald Wilson

96 Years Old (September 4, 1918 - September 8, 2014)

Trumpeter Big band arranger Started career with Jimmy Lunceford Wrote arrangements for Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and pretty much everyone else who mattered.

Joe Sample

75 Years Old (February 1, 1939 - September 12, 2014)

“Little” Jimmy Scott

88 Years Old (July 17,1925 - June 12, 2014) 

SingerSuffered from Kallman’s Syndrome, which causes him to have a pre-pubescent voice.Debuted on Savoy in 1955 (Very Truly Yours)Has appeared in several films including Passion Play, a 2001 drama that included Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke.

19 of 19

Lionel Ferbos

Lionel Ferbos, 2012. Jeffery Ufberg/WireImage/Getty Images

103 Years Old (July 17, 1911 - July 19, 2014)

TrumpeterHas performed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since its beginningStill plays every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in New Orleansrecently recorded with Irvin Mayfield

Well, now the proverbial jazz cat is out of the proverbial jazz bag.

Less than a week since first posting this list of the Top 10 Oldest Living Jazz Musicians, I’ve received dozens of emails with lists and lists of people I’ve missed. Clark Terry now drops to #3 behind 102-year old Lionel Ferbos and 95-year old Gerald Wilson and our original #2, Jimmy Heath, has plummeted to #18 (a drop similar to Tony Bennett, who cascaded from #3 to #20).

Jon Hendricks, Toots Thielmans, Eugene Wright, Sammy Nestico and Terry Gibbs are all now in the Top 10. For obvious humanitarian reasons, not to mention my own editorial sanity, I hope no one passes away until at least next week.

01 of 19

Irv Williams

96 Years Old (Born August 9, 1919)

Saxophonist Known for his focus on the Great American Songbook (and his ability to play in any key) Former public school teacher Played with Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams and Billy Eckstine Still plays a weekly gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis

02 of 19

Jon Hendricks

Jon Hendricks, 2014.  Charles Norfleet/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born September 16, 1921)

Cornerstone of jazz singing for over 50 yearsOriginator of “vocalese” styleCreator of Lambert, Hendricks and RossCalled by Time magazine the “James Joyce of Jive” 

03 of 19

Toots Thielemans

Toots Thielemans, 2007. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born April 29, 1922)

One of the great harmonica players of all time.NEA Jazz Master Recorded with everyone from Bill Evans to Billy JoelWas also the guy who did the whistle in the Old Spice commercialsRetired this past March

04 of 19

Eugene Wright

Eugene Wright with Sonny Clark, 1960. Michael Ochs/Getty Images

92 Years Old (Born May 29, 1923) 

Also known as “The Senator” Best known as the bassist on Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album Also worked with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and many others Only living member of the classic Brubeck quartet

05 of 19

Bob Dorough

Bob Dorough, 1950. Tom Copi/Michael Ochs/Getty Images

91 Years Old (Born December 12, 1923)

Bop pianistWorked with Miles Davis and Blossom DearieInfluenced by Mose AllisonComposer of numerous tunes from the TV show Schoolhouse RockArkansas Jazz Hall Of Fame inductee

06 of 19

Sammy Nestico

Sammy Nestico (R) with Frank Stallone, 2006. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

 91 Years Old (Born February 6, 1924)

Composer and arranger Best known for his work with Count Basie Also worked with Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Toni Tenille and Barbra Streisand Recorded a Basie inspired album with Quincy Jones  Scored music for 70s TV shows (Charlie’s Angels, Mannix, Mission:Impossible) and wrote jingles for Ford, Mattel and Dodge

07 of 19

Marshall Allen

Marshall Allen. Seth Tisue/Creative Commons

91 Years Old (Born May 25, 1924)

SaxophonistStudent of James MoodyOccasional recording artistLongtime associate of Sun Ra and, now, the leader of his orchestra.

08 of 19

Terry Gibbs

Terry Gibbs, 1950. GAB/Redferns/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born November 13, 1924)

Born Julius GubenkoPlayed with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich andAlso made frequent appearances on TV, including The Steve Allen Show during the 1950sPublished autobiography, Good Vibes: A Life In Jazz, in 2003

Click Next For Our “Bonus Old Guys (And A Gal)” Section and “Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention”

09 of 19

Barbara Carroll

Barbara Carroll, 2012. Daniel-Zuchnik/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born January 25, 1925)

Classically trained; attended New England ConservatoryDubbed “first girl to play bebop piano” in 1947 by Leonard FeatherOnce toured with Rita Coolidge and Kris KristoffersonLater became a cabaret player

10 of 19

Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes, 2010. Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic/Getty Images

 89 Years Old (Born March 13, 1925)

One of the loosest jazz drummers ever Has played everything from swing to bop to fusion 33 albums as a leader Recorded with Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy and Kenny Burrell, to name just a few.

11 of 19

Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli (R) with son, John Pizzarelli, 2011. Clayton Call/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born January 9, 1926)

Guitarist Influenced by Django Reinhardt and Freddie Green One time member of Dick Cavett’s Band 30 albums dating back to 1960

12 of 19

Randy Weston

Randy Weston, 2006. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born April 6, 1926) 

Pianist Influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk First album: Cole Porter In A Modern Mood (Riverside, 1954) Most recent Album: The Stroyteller (Motema, 2009) Also record with Mingus

13 of 19

Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson, 2003. KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born November 1, 1926) 

Saxophonist Heavily influenced by Charlie Parker Has record nearly 50 albums First recording: Quartet/Quintet/Sextet (Blue Note. 1954)

14 of 19

Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath, 2008. Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

 88 Years Old (Born October 25, 1926)​

Switch from alto to tenor sax because of Charlie ParkerPlayed with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” HeathWrote most of Chet Baker and Art Pepper’s Playboys albumTeaches at Queens College in NYHis debut album was called The Thumper

15 of 19

Dick Hyman

Dick Hyman, c. 1960. Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born March 8, 1927) 

PianistHas recorded over 100 albumsHas worked on a number of films as pianist, composer, conductor and/or music director, including more than 10 Woody Allen filmsHas also composed for ballet and theater

16 of 19

Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention

Tony Bennett - 89 (Singer) Kelan Phil Cohran - 88 (Trumpet) Lee Konitz - 87 (Saxophone) Mose Allison - 87 (Piano) Ernie Andrews - 87 (Singer) Doc Severinson - 88 (Trumpet) Freddie Redd - 87 (Piano) Sheila Jordan - 86 (Singer) Jimmy Cobb - 86 (Drummer) Benny Golson - 86 (Saxophone) Cecil Taylor - 86 (Piano) Barry Harris - 85 (Piano) Marty Grosz - 85 (Guitar) Ornette Coleman - 85 (Saxophone) Sonny Rollins - 84 (Saxophone) Ahmad Jamal - 85 (Piano) Ira Sullivan - 84 (Trumpet) Plas Johnson - 84 (Bass) Charles Davis - 82 (Saxophone) Quincy Jones - 82 (Trumpet, Producer) Wayne Shorter - 81 (Sax) Warren Smith - 81 (Drummer) Curtis Fuller - 80 (Trombone) Tootie Heath - 80 (Drums) Harold Mabern - 79 (Piano) Ron Carter - 78 (Bass) Louis Hayes - 78 (Drums) Allen Toussaint - 77 (Piano) Marvin Stamm - 76 (Trumpet) McCoy Tyner - 76 (Piano) Herbie Hancock - 75 (Piano) John McLaughlin- 73 (Guitar) Chick Corea - 72 (Piano) Keith Jarrett - 70 (Piano) Anthony Braxton - 69(Sax)

17 of 19

Gunther Schuller

Gunther Schuller, 2007. Hiroyuki Ito/Hulton/Getty Images

 90 Years Old (November 22, 1925 - June 21, 2015)

Son of a New York Philharmonic violinistPlayed horn with the American Ballet Theater at 15 years oldAppointed to Cincinnati Symphony at age 20Founded Modern Jazz Society with John Lewis in 1955Invented “third stream” music, a combination of classical and jazz 

18 of 19

Those Dearly Departed

Clark Terry 2001. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Clark Terry

94 Years Old (December 20, 1920 - February 21, 2015 )

Swing and bebop trumpeter Flugelhorn innovator Educator NEA Jazz Master Played with Charlie Barnet, , Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, among others. Recorded over 85 albums Still looks cool in shades

Gerald Wilson

96 Years Old (September 4, 1918 - September 8, 2014)

Trumpeter Big band arranger Started career with Jimmy Lunceford Wrote arrangements for Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and pretty much everyone else who mattered.

Joe Sample

75 Years Old (February 1, 1939 - September 12, 2014)

“Little” Jimmy Scott

88 Years Old (July 17,1925 - June 12, 2014) 

SingerSuffered from Kallman’s Syndrome, which causes him to have a pre-pubescent voice.Debuted on Savoy in 1955 (Very Truly Yours)Has appeared in several films including Passion Play, a 2001 drama that included Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke.

19 of 19

Lionel Ferbos

Lionel Ferbos, 2012. Jeffery Ufberg/WireImage/Getty Images

103 Years Old (July 17, 1911 - July 19, 2014)

TrumpeterHas performed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since its beginningStill plays every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in New Orleansrecently recorded with Irvin Mayfield

Well, now the proverbial jazz cat is out of the proverbial jazz bag.

Less than a week since first posting this list of the Top 10 Oldest Living Jazz Musicians, I’ve received dozens of emails with lists and lists of people I’ve missed. Clark Terry now drops to #3 behind 102-year old Lionel Ferbos and 95-year old Gerald Wilson and our original #2, Jimmy Heath, has plummeted to #18 (a drop similar to Tony Bennett, who cascaded from #3 to #20).

Jon Hendricks, Toots Thielmans, Eugene Wright, Sammy Nestico and Terry Gibbs are all now in the Top 10. For obvious humanitarian reasons, not to mention my own editorial sanity, I hope no one passes away until at least next week.

01 of 19

Irv Williams

96 Years Old (Born August 9, 1919)

Saxophonist Known for his focus on the Great American Songbook (and his ability to play in any key) Former public school teacher Played with Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams and Billy Eckstine Still plays a weekly gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis

02 of 19

Jon Hendricks

Jon Hendricks, 2014.  Charles Norfleet/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born September 16, 1921)

Cornerstone of jazz singing for over 50 yearsOriginator of “vocalese” styleCreator of Lambert, Hendricks and RossCalled by Time magazine the “James Joyce of Jive” 

03 of 19

Toots Thielemans

Toots Thielemans, 2007. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born April 29, 1922)

One of the great harmonica players of all time.NEA Jazz Master Recorded with everyone from Bill Evans to Billy JoelWas also the guy who did the whistle in the Old Spice commercialsRetired this past March

04 of 19

Eugene Wright

Eugene Wright with Sonny Clark, 1960. Michael Ochs/Getty Images

92 Years Old (Born May 29, 1923) 

Also known as “The Senator” Best known as the bassist on Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album Also worked with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and many others Only living member of the classic Brubeck quartet

05 of 19

Bob Dorough

Bob Dorough, 1950. Tom Copi/Michael Ochs/Getty Images

91 Years Old (Born December 12, 1923)

Bop pianistWorked with Miles Davis and Blossom DearieInfluenced by Mose AllisonComposer of numerous tunes from the TV show Schoolhouse RockArkansas Jazz Hall Of Fame inductee

06 of 19

Sammy Nestico

Sammy Nestico (R) with Frank Stallone, 2006. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

 91 Years Old (Born February 6, 1924)

Composer and arranger Best known for his work with Count Basie Also worked with Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Toni Tenille and Barbra Streisand Recorded a Basie inspired album with Quincy Jones  Scored music for 70s TV shows (Charlie’s Angels, Mannix, Mission:Impossible) and wrote jingles for Ford, Mattel and Dodge

07 of 19

Marshall Allen

Marshall Allen. Seth Tisue/Creative Commons

91 Years Old (Born May 25, 1924)

SaxophonistStudent of James MoodyOccasional recording artistLongtime associate of Sun Ra and, now, the leader of his orchestra.

08 of 19

Terry Gibbs

Terry Gibbs, 1950. GAB/Redferns/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born November 13, 1924)

Born Julius GubenkoPlayed with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich andAlso made frequent appearances on TV, including The Steve Allen Show during the 1950sPublished autobiography, Good Vibes: A Life In Jazz, in 2003

Click Next For Our “Bonus Old Guys (And A Gal)” Section and “Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention”

09 of 19

Barbara Carroll

Barbara Carroll, 2012. Daniel-Zuchnik/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born January 25, 1925)

Classically trained; attended New England ConservatoryDubbed “first girl to play bebop piano” in 1947 by Leonard FeatherOnce toured with Rita Coolidge and Kris KristoffersonLater became a cabaret player

10 of 19

Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes, 2010. Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic/Getty Images

 89 Years Old (Born March 13, 1925)

One of the loosest jazz drummers ever Has played everything from swing to bop to fusion 33 albums as a leader Recorded with Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy and Kenny Burrell, to name just a few.

11 of 19

Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli (R) with son, John Pizzarelli, 2011. Clayton Call/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born January 9, 1926)

Guitarist Influenced by Django Reinhardt and Freddie Green One time member of Dick Cavett’s Band 30 albums dating back to 1960

12 of 19

Randy Weston

Randy Weston, 2006. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born April 6, 1926) 

Pianist Influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk First album: Cole Porter In A Modern Mood (Riverside, 1954) Most recent Album: The Stroyteller (Motema, 2009) Also record with Mingus

13 of 19

Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson, 2003. KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born November 1, 1926) 

Saxophonist Heavily influenced by Charlie Parker Has record nearly 50 albums First recording: Quartet/Quintet/Sextet (Blue Note. 1954)

14 of 19

Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath, 2008. Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

 88 Years Old (Born October 25, 1926)​

Switch from alto to tenor sax because of Charlie ParkerPlayed with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” HeathWrote most of Chet Baker and Art Pepper’s Playboys albumTeaches at Queens College in NYHis debut album was called The Thumper

15 of 19

Dick Hyman

Dick Hyman, c. 1960. Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born March 8, 1927) 

PianistHas recorded over 100 albumsHas worked on a number of films as pianist, composer, conductor and/or music director, including more than 10 Woody Allen filmsHas also composed for ballet and theater

16 of 19

Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention

Tony Bennett - 89 (Singer) Kelan Phil Cohran - 88 (Trumpet) Lee Konitz - 87 (Saxophone) Mose Allison - 87 (Piano) Ernie Andrews - 87 (Singer) Doc Severinson - 88 (Trumpet) Freddie Redd - 87 (Piano) Sheila Jordan - 86 (Singer) Jimmy Cobb - 86 (Drummer) Benny Golson - 86 (Saxophone) Cecil Taylor - 86 (Piano) Barry Harris - 85 (Piano) Marty Grosz - 85 (Guitar) Ornette Coleman - 85 (Saxophone) Sonny Rollins - 84 (Saxophone) Ahmad Jamal - 85 (Piano) Ira Sullivan - 84 (Trumpet) Plas Johnson - 84 (Bass) Charles Davis - 82 (Saxophone) Quincy Jones - 82 (Trumpet, Producer) Wayne Shorter - 81 (Sax) Warren Smith - 81 (Drummer) Curtis Fuller - 80 (Trombone) Tootie Heath - 80 (Drums) Harold Mabern - 79 (Piano) Ron Carter - 78 (Bass) Louis Hayes - 78 (Drums) Allen Toussaint - 77 (Piano) Marvin Stamm - 76 (Trumpet) McCoy Tyner - 76 (Piano) Herbie Hancock - 75 (Piano) John McLaughlin- 73 (Guitar) Chick Corea - 72 (Piano) Keith Jarrett - 70 (Piano) Anthony Braxton - 69(Sax)

17 of 19

Gunther Schuller

Gunther Schuller, 2007. Hiroyuki Ito/Hulton/Getty Images

 90 Years Old (November 22, 1925 - June 21, 2015)

Son of a New York Philharmonic violinistPlayed horn with the American Ballet Theater at 15 years oldAppointed to Cincinnati Symphony at age 20Founded Modern Jazz Society with John Lewis in 1955Invented “third stream” music, a combination of classical and jazz 

18 of 19

Those Dearly Departed

Clark Terry 2001. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Clark Terry

94 Years Old (December 20, 1920 - February 21, 2015 )

Swing and bebop trumpeter Flugelhorn innovator Educator NEA Jazz Master Played with Charlie Barnet, , Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, among others. Recorded over 85 albums Still looks cool in shades

Gerald Wilson

96 Years Old (September 4, 1918 - September 8, 2014)

Trumpeter Big band arranger Started career with Jimmy Lunceford Wrote arrangements for Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and pretty much everyone else who mattered.

Joe Sample

75 Years Old (February 1, 1939 - September 12, 2014)

“Little” Jimmy Scott

88 Years Old (July 17,1925 - June 12, 2014) 

SingerSuffered from Kallman’s Syndrome, which causes him to have a pre-pubescent voice.Debuted on Savoy in 1955 (Very Truly Yours)Has appeared in several films including Passion Play, a 2001 drama that included Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke.

19 of 19

Lionel Ferbos

Lionel Ferbos, 2012. Jeffery Ufberg/WireImage/Getty Images

103 Years Old (July 17, 1911 - July 19, 2014)

TrumpeterHas performed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since its beginningStill plays every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in New Orleansrecently recorded with Irvin Mayfield

Well, now the proverbial jazz cat is out of the proverbial jazz bag.

Less than a week since first posting this list of the Top 10 Oldest Living Jazz Musicians, I’ve received dozens of emails with lists and lists of people I’ve missed. Clark Terry now drops to #3 behind 102-year old Lionel Ferbos and 95-year old Gerald Wilson and our original #2, Jimmy Heath, has plummeted to #18 (a drop similar to Tony Bennett, who cascaded from #3 to #20).

Jon Hendricks, Toots Thielmans, Eugene Wright, Sammy Nestico and Terry Gibbs are all now in the Top 10. For obvious humanitarian reasons, not to mention my own editorial sanity, I hope no one passes away until at least next week.

01 of 19

Irv Williams

96 Years Old (Born August 9, 1919)

Saxophonist Known for his focus on the Great American Songbook (and his ability to play in any key) Former public school teacher Played with Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams and Billy Eckstine Still plays a weekly gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis

02 of 19

Jon Hendricks

Jon Hendricks, 2014.  Charles Norfleet/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born September 16, 1921)

Cornerstone of jazz singing for over 50 yearsOriginator of “vocalese” styleCreator of Lambert, Hendricks and RossCalled by Time magazine the “James Joyce of Jive” 

03 of 19

Toots Thielemans

Toots Thielemans, 2007. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

93 Years Old (Born April 29, 1922)

One of the great harmonica players of all time.NEA Jazz Master Recorded with everyone from Bill Evans to Billy JoelWas also the guy who did the whistle in the Old Spice commercialsRetired this past March

04 of 19

Eugene Wright

Eugene Wright with Sonny Clark, 1960. Michael Ochs/Getty Images

92 Years Old (Born May 29, 1923) 

Also known as “The Senator” Best known as the bassist on Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album Also worked with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and many others Only living member of the classic Brubeck quartet

05 of 19

Bob Dorough

Bob Dorough, 1950. Tom Copi/Michael Ochs/Getty Images

91 Years Old (Born December 12, 1923)

Bop pianistWorked with Miles Davis and Blossom DearieInfluenced by Mose AllisonComposer of numerous tunes from the TV show Schoolhouse RockArkansas Jazz Hall Of Fame inductee

06 of 19

Sammy Nestico

Sammy Nestico (R) with Frank Stallone, 2006. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

 91 Years Old (Born February 6, 1924)

Composer and arranger Best known for his work with Count Basie Also worked with Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Toni Tenille and Barbra Streisand Recorded a Basie inspired album with Quincy Jones  Scored music for 70s TV shows (Charlie’s Angels, Mannix, Mission:Impossible) and wrote jingles for Ford, Mattel and Dodge

07 of 19

Marshall Allen

Marshall Allen. Seth Tisue/Creative Commons

91 Years Old (Born May 25, 1924)

SaxophonistStudent of James MoodyOccasional recording artistLongtime associate of Sun Ra and, now, the leader of his orchestra.

08 of 19

Terry Gibbs

Terry Gibbs, 1950. GAB/Redferns/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born November 13, 1924)

Born Julius GubenkoPlayed with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich andAlso made frequent appearances on TV, including The Steve Allen Show during the 1950sPublished autobiography, Good Vibes: A Life In Jazz, in 2003

Click Next For Our “Bonus Old Guys (And A Gal)” Section and “Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention”

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Barbara Carroll

Barbara Carroll, 2012. Daniel-Zuchnik/Getty Images

90 Years Old (Born January 25, 1925)

Classically trained; attended New England ConservatoryDubbed “first girl to play bebop piano” in 1947 by Leonard FeatherOnce toured with Rita Coolidge and Kris KristoffersonLater became a cabaret player

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Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes, 2010. Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic/Getty Images

 89 Years Old (Born March 13, 1925)

One of the loosest jazz drummers ever Has played everything from swing to bop to fusion 33 albums as a leader Recorded with Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy and Kenny Burrell, to name just a few.

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Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli (R) with son, John Pizzarelli, 2011. Clayton Call/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born January 9, 1926)

Guitarist Influenced by Django Reinhardt and Freddie Green One time member of Dick Cavett’s Band 30 albums dating back to 1960

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Randy Weston

Randy Weston, 2006. Photoshot/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

89 Years Old (Born April 6, 1926) 

Pianist Influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk First album: Cole Porter In A Modern Mood (Riverside, 1954) Most recent Album: The Stroyteller (Motema, 2009) Also record with Mingus

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Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson, 2003. KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born November 1, 1926) 

Saxophonist Heavily influenced by Charlie Parker Has record nearly 50 albums First recording: Quartet/Quintet/Sextet (Blue Note. 1954)

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Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath, 2008. Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

 88 Years Old (Born October 25, 1926)​

Switch from alto to tenor sax because of Charlie ParkerPlayed with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” HeathWrote most of Chet Baker and Art Pepper’s Playboys albumTeaches at Queens College in NYHis debut album was called The Thumper

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Dick Hyman

Dick Hyman, c. 1960. Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty Images

88 Years Old (Born March 8, 1927) 

PianistHas recorded over 100 albumsHas worked on a number of films as pianist, composer, conductor and/or music director, including more than 10 Woody Allen filmsHas also composed for ballet and theater

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Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention

Tony Bennett - 89 (Singer) Kelan Phil Cohran - 88 (Trumpet) Lee Konitz - 87 (Saxophone) Mose Allison - 87 (Piano) Ernie Andrews - 87 (Singer) Doc Severinson - 88 (Trumpet) Freddie Redd - 87 (Piano) Sheila Jordan - 86 (Singer) Jimmy Cobb - 86 (Drummer) Benny Golson - 86 (Saxophone) Cecil Taylor - 86 (Piano) Barry Harris - 85 (Piano) Marty Grosz - 85 (Guitar) Ornette Coleman - 85 (Saxophone) Sonny Rollins - 84 (Saxophone) Ahmad Jamal - 85 (Piano) Ira Sullivan - 84 (Trumpet) Plas Johnson - 84 (Bass) Charles Davis - 82 (Saxophone) Quincy Jones - 82 (Trumpet, Producer) Wayne Shorter - 81 (Sax) Warren Smith - 81 (Drummer) Curtis Fuller - 80 (Trombone) Tootie Heath - 80 (Drums) Harold Mabern - 79 (Piano) Ron Carter - 78 (Bass) Louis Hayes - 78 (Drums) Allen Toussaint - 77 (Piano) Marvin Stamm - 76 (Trumpet) McCoy Tyner - 76 (Piano) Herbie Hancock - 75 (Piano) John McLaughlin- 73 (Guitar) Chick Corea - 72 (Piano) Keith Jarrett - 70 (Piano) Anthony Braxton - 69(Sax)

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Gunther Schuller

Gunther Schuller, 2007. Hiroyuki Ito/Hulton/Getty Images

 90 Years Old (November 22, 1925 - June 21, 2015)

Son of a New York Philharmonic violinistPlayed horn with the American Ballet Theater at 15 years oldAppointed to Cincinnati Symphony at age 20Founded Modern Jazz Society with John Lewis in 1955Invented “third stream” music, a combination of classical and jazz 

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Those Dearly Departed

Clark Terry 2001. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Clark Terry

94 Years Old (December 20, 1920 - February 21, 2015 )

Swing and bebop trumpeter Flugelhorn innovator Educator NEA Jazz Master Played with Charlie Barnet, , Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, among others. Recorded over 85 albums Still looks cool in shades

Gerald Wilson

96 Years Old (September 4, 1918 - September 8, 2014)

Trumpeter Big band arranger Started career with Jimmy Lunceford Wrote arrangements for Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and pretty much everyone else who mattered.

Joe Sample

75 Years Old (February 1, 1939 - September 12, 2014)

“Little” Jimmy Scott

88 Years Old (July 17,1925 - June 12, 2014) 

SingerSuffered from Kallman’s Syndrome, which causes him to have a pre-pubescent voice.Debuted on Savoy in 1955 (Very Truly Yours)Has appeared in several films including Passion Play, a 2001 drama that included Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke.

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Lionel Ferbos

Lionel Ferbos, 2012. Jeffery Ufberg/WireImage/Getty Images

103 Years Old (July 17, 1911 - July 19, 2014)

TrumpeterHas performed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since its beginningStill plays every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in New Orleansrecently recorded with Irvin Mayfield

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Irv Williams

96 Years Old (Born August 9, 1919)

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  • Saxophonist
  • Known for his focus on the Great American Songbook (and his ability to play in any key)
  • Former public school teacher
  • Played with Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams and Billy Eckstine
  • Still plays a weekly gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis

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Jon Hendricks

93 Years Old (Born September 16, 1921)

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  • Cornerstone of jazz singing for over 50 yearsOriginator of “vocalese” styleCreator of Lambert, Hendricks and RossCalled by Time magazine the “James Joyce of Jive”

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Toots Thielemans

93 Years Old (Born April 29, 1922)

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  • One of the great harmonica players of all time.NEA Jazz Master Recorded with everyone from Bill Evans to Billy JoelWas also the guy who did the whistle in the Old Spice commercialsRetired this past March

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Eugene Wright

92 Years Old (Born May 29, 1923) 

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  • Also known as “The Senator”
  • Best known as the bassist on Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album
  • Also worked with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and many others
  • Only living member of the classic Brubeck quartet

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Bob Dorough

91 Years Old (Born December 12, 1923)

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  • Bop pianistWorked with Miles Davis and Blossom DearieInfluenced by Mose AllisonComposer of numerous tunes from the TV show Schoolhouse RockArkansas Jazz Hall Of Fame inductee

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Sammy Nestico

 91 Years Old (Born February 6, 1924)

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  • Composer and arranger
  • Best known for his work with Count Basie
  • Also worked with Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Toni Tenille and Barbra Streisand
  • Recorded a Basie inspired album with Quincy Jones
  • Scored music for 70s TV shows (Charlie’s Angels, Mannix, Mission:Impossible) and wrote jingles for Ford, Mattel and Dodge

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Marshall Allen

91 Years Old (Born May 25, 1924)

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  • SaxophonistStudent of James MoodyOccasional recording artistLongtime associate of Sun Ra and, now, the leader of his orchestra.

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Terry Gibbs

90 Years Old (Born November 13, 1924)

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  • Born Julius GubenkoPlayed with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich andAlso made frequent appearances on TV, including The Steve Allen Show during the 1950sPublished autobiography, Good Vibes: A Life In Jazz, in 2003

Click Next For Our “Bonus Old Guys (And A Gal)” Section and “Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention”

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Barbara Carroll

90 Years Old (Born January 25, 1925)

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  • Classically trained; attended New England ConservatoryDubbed “first girl to play bebop piano” in 1947 by Leonard FeatherOnce toured with Rita Coolidge and Kris KristoffersonLater became a cabaret player

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Roy Haynes

 89 Years Old (Born March 13, 1925)

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  • One of the loosest jazz drummers ever
  • Has played everything from swing to bop to fusion
  • 33 albums as a leader
  • Recorded with Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy and Kenny Burrell, to name just a few.

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Bucky Pizzarelli

89 Years Old (Born January 9, 1926)

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  • Guitarist
  • Influenced by Django Reinhardt and Freddie Green
  • One time member of Dick Cavett’s Band
  • 30 albums dating back to 1960

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Randy Weston

89 Years Old (Born April 6, 1926) 

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  • Pianist
  • Influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk
  • First album: Cole Porter In A Modern Mood (Riverside, 1954)
  • Most recent Album: The Stroyteller (Motema, 2009)
  • Also record with Mingus

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Lou Donaldson

88 Years Old (Born November 1, 1926) 

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  • Saxophonist
  • Heavily influenced by Charlie Parker
  • Has record nearly 50 albums
  • First recording: Quartet/Quintet/Sextet (Blue Note. 1954)

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Jimmy Heath

 88 Years Old (Born October 25, 1926)​

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  • Switch from alto to tenor sax because of Charlie ParkerPlayed with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” HeathWrote most of Chet Baker and Art Pepper’s Playboys albumTeaches at Queens College in NYHis debut album was called The Thumper

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Dick Hyman

88 Years Old (Born March 8, 1927) 

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  • PianistHas recorded over 100 albumsHas worked on a number of films as pianist, composer, conductor and/or music director, including more than 10 Woody Allen filmsHas also composed for ballet and theater

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Old Jazz Guy Honorable Mention

  • Tony Bennett - 89 (Singer)
  • Kelan Phil Cohran - 88 (Trumpet)
  • Lee Konitz - 87 (Saxophone)
  • Mose Allison - 87 (Piano)
  • Ernie Andrews - 87 (Singer)
  • Doc Severinson - 88 (Trumpet)
  • Freddie Redd - 87 (Piano)
  • Sheila Jordan - 86 (Singer)
  • Jimmy Cobb - 86 (Drummer)
  • Benny Golson - 86 (Saxophone)
  • Cecil Taylor - 86 (Piano)
  • Barry Harris - 85 (Piano)
  • Marty Grosz - 85 (Guitar)
  • Ornette Coleman - 85 (Saxophone)
  • Sonny Rollins - 84 (Saxophone)
  • Ahmad Jamal - 85 (Piano)
  • Ira Sullivan - 84 (Trumpet)
  • Plas Johnson - 84 (Bass)
  • Charles Davis - 82 (Saxophone)
  • Quincy Jones - 82 (Trumpet, Producer)
  • Wayne Shorter - 81 (Sax)
  • Warren Smith - 81 (Drummer)
  • Curtis Fuller - 80 (Trombone)
  • Tootie Heath - 80 (Drums)
  • Harold Mabern - 79 (Piano)
  • Ron Carter - 78 (Bass)
  • Louis Hayes - 78 (Drums)
  • Allen Toussaint - 77 (Piano)
  • Marvin Stamm - 76 (Trumpet)
  • McCoy Tyner - 76 (Piano)
  • Herbie Hancock - 75 (Piano)
  • John McLaughlin- 73 (Guitar)
  • Chick Corea - 72 (Piano)
  • Keith Jarrett - 70 (Piano)
  • Anthony Braxton - 69(Sax)

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Gunther Schuller

 90 Years Old (November 22, 1925 - June 21, 2015)

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  • Son of a New York Philharmonic violinistPlayed horn with the American Ballet Theater at 15 years oldAppointed to Cincinnati Symphony at age 20Founded Modern Jazz Society with John Lewis in 1955Invented “third stream” music, a combination of classical and jazz

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Those Dearly Departed

Clark Terry

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94 Years Old (December 20, 1920 - February 21, 2015 )

  • Swing and bebop trumpeter
  • Flugelhorn innovator
  • Educator
  • NEA Jazz Master
  • Played with Charlie Barnet, , Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, among others.
  • Recorded over 85 albums
  • Still looks cool in shades

Gerald Wilson

96 Years Old (September 4, 1918 - September 8, 2014)

  • Trumpeter
  • Big band arranger
  • Started career with Jimmy Lunceford
  • Wrote arrangements for Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and pretty much everyone else who mattered.

Joe Sample

75 Years Old (February 1, 1939 - September 12, 2014)

“Little” Jimmy Scott

88 Years Old (July 17,1925 - June 12, 2014) 

  • SingerSuffered from Kallman’s Syndrome, which causes him to have a pre-pubescent voice.Debuted on Savoy in 1955 (Very Truly Yours)Has appeared in several films including Passion Play, a 2001 drama that included Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke.

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Lionel Ferbos

103 Years Old (July 17, 1911 - July 19, 2014)

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  • TrumpeterHas performed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since its beginningStill plays every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in New Orleansrecently recorded with Irvin Mayfield