Obituaries

Soprano Benita Valente, who died on Oct. 24 at 91, was a singular talent beloved worldwide and adored in Philadelphia. She leaves behind an interwoven legacy of musical excellence and cultural influence.

Jack DeJohnette, of the most daring and singular jazz drummers of the last 60 years, died on Sunday.

The expressive singer made just three albums, including his 1995 debut, Brown Sugar, but retreated from the public after each. He had been battling cancer, according to a statement from his family.

Originally from Osaka, Japan, Akiko Tsuruga became a world-class jazz organist, touted by soul-jazz originals like Lou Donaldson. She died on Sept. 13, after a short terminal illness.

Pascoal said he had composed thousands of pieces. "I am 100 percent intuitive," he once told NPR. Miles Davis called him one of the most important musicians in the world.

Known for his intellectual and illuminating touch on the podium, the refined conductor was also surprisingly outspoken when it came to politics and his peers.

She recorded a magical debut album on Blue Note and was later named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The bandleader and pianist was one of the leading Latin musicians of his generation. He won multiple Grammys and was recognized as an NEA Jazz Master.

David F. Gibson, whose precise and hard-driving beat powered legacy editions of the Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway orchestras, and other bands big and small, died on July 30. He was 72.

An accomplished harpist and educator, Jill Pasternak led a distinguished career in radio, including 18 years at WRTI.