Lee Konitz, Jazz Saxophonist and Miles Davis Collaborator, Dead at 92

Jazz saxophonist Lee Konitz has died of pneumonia complications as a result of COVID-19, his son confirmed to NPR tonight (April 15). He was 93.

Born in Chicago on October 13, 1927, Konitz was credited for his skills as a thoughtful and adventurous improvisor during his lifetime. His career stretched for more than 70 years, beginning with studying piano as a teenager. His body of work included his solo albums. He also collaborated with Bill Evans, Anthony Braxton, Charles Mingus, Max Roach, and Bill Frisell.

Konitz was part of the nine-piece ensemble that played on some iconic 1949 and 1950 sessions with Miles Davis. Those recordings became Davis’ celebrated 1957 album Birth of the Cool. Konitz was the last surviving member of the group that recorded those sessions.