In 1960s America, jazz was the most popular music genre. One of the most influential musicians in that era was Lee Morgan. He recorded with some of the most prominent musicians in the genre-Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Tony Bennett. His unique sound is still celebrated today by many.
Morgan was born on July 10, 1938 in Philadelphia. He began playing the trumpet at the age of 14 and quickly developed a distinctive sound. He gained attention for his performances with Dizzy Gillespie’s big band and soon became one of the most sought-after trumpeters in jazz.
In 1965, Morgan released his most famous album, The Sidewinder. The title track became a jazz classic and is still played today by many musicians. The album was also commercially successful, reaching number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Although Sidewinder is one of the best Jazz records of all-time, Lee had many other great records. You can view our favorites in the Top 10 Lee Morgan Albums article.
Despite his success, Morgan’s life was cut short at the age of 33. On February 19, 1972, he was shot and killed by his wife Helen during a domestic dispute. His death was a tragic loss to the jazz community.
However, Morgan’s music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by musicians and fans alike. His influence can be heard in many contemporary jazz artists and his recordings are still popular among jazz fans. In honor of his birthday, let’s take a moment to remember the legacy of Lee Morgan.
Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lee-morgan-is-born
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