Jazz legend Phil Woods has passed away. The alto saxophonist — who was well-known for his bright, clean sound and sterling technique — died Tuesday in East Stoudsburg, Pa., according to the New York Times. His booking agent, Joel Chriss, said the cause of death was complications with emphysema. He was 83 years old.
Woods had a love for Charlie Parker's music and was seen as the Parker of his generation. He was one of the big names to help bring jazz from its golden era to its incorporation in pop music, according to Yahoo News. He developed a proficiency in the fast-paced bebop style that Parker was known for, and even toured and recorded with musical legends Billy Joel and Paul Simon. One of his most legendary saxophone solos was on Joel's 1977 hit "Just the Way You Are."
Music producer Quincy Jones saw that Woods had a special talent from early on, and helped him put together his most popular tour. "It is an understatement to say Phil Woods was one of the greatest jazz alto saxophone players to ever set foot on this planet," Jones wrote on Facebook. "There was a very specific reason Phil played on nearly every album I've made since 1956 because he not only was the best jazz alto sax players there was, he was a truly beautiful person."
Woods first announced he had emphysema and would be retiring from touring during his last show, which was Sept. 4 in Pittsburgh, according to the Associated Press. He used oxygen to help him with that performance.
