LOS ANGELES (AP) β Gerald Wilson, the dynamic jazz musician whose career spanned more than 75 years, has died. He was 96.
Wilson died Monday at his Los Angeles home from pneumonia, according to his son, Anthony Wilson.
The big band leader played trumpet and composed music with the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie.
Wilson began his career in the 1930s as a trumpeter for Jimmy Lunceford’s band before forming his own group in 1944.
Wilson’s adventurous big-band approach endured throughout jazz’s evolution. He was known for his dance-like style of conducting, which he said helped listeners know what they were hearing.
He received six Grammy nominations throughout his career.
Wilson is survived by his wife, son, two daughters and four grandchildren.
