Obituaries

As a member of Oregon, solo artist, and collaborator of luminaries like Keith Jarrett and John Abercrombie, Towner left an indelible mark on modern progressive jazz.

Rebecca Kilgore championed 1930s and 1940s vocal jazz and collaborated extensively with songwriter Dave Frishberg, who wrote classics like "I'm Hip," and "Peel Me A Grape."

For three decades with the Grateful Dead and three more after the group ended following the 1995 death of his bandmate Jerry Garcia, Weir helped build and sustain the band's legacy across generations.

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.