Albert Ayler

American jazz saxophonist (1936–1970)

Albert Ayler (/ˈlər/; July 13, 1936 – November 25, 1970) was an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer and composer.[1]

Albert Ayler
Albert Ayler in 1967–68
Albert Ayler in 1967–68
Background information
Born(1936-07-13)July 13, 1936
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
DiedNovember 25, 1970(1970-11-25) (aged 34)
New York City
GenresJazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz
Occupation(s)Saxophonist, bandleader, composer
InstrumentsTenor saxophone, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, bagpipes
Years active1952–1970
LabelsBird Notes, ESP-Disk, Impulse!, Ayler

His trio and quartet records of 1964, such as Spiritual Unity and The Hilversum Session were one of his best known works.[2]

Ayler disappeared on November 5, 1970, and he was found dead in New York City's East River on November 25. His death was ruled a suicide.[3] There were rumors that the mafia killed him.[4]

References

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  1. Cook, Richard (2005). Richard Cook's Jazz Encyclopedia. London: Penguin Books. pp. 25–26. ISBN 0-141-00646-3.
  2. Wilmer, Val (1977). As Serious as Your Life. Quartet. pp. 95–96. ISBN 0-7043-3164-0.
  3. Mandel, Howard (June 7, 2008). "Albert Ayler's Fiery Sax, Now on Film". NPR. Retrieved August 30, 2009.
  4. "Biography". Ayler.co.uk. Retrieved May 1, 2017.