May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Chicago harmonica ace Little Arthur Duncan died Aug. 20 at Kindred Hospital in Northlake, Ill. He was 74.
Born Feb. 5, 1934, in Indianola, Miss., Arthur moved to Chicago at age 16, where he heard and befriended Little Walter, who inspired him to take up the harmonica. While holding down a construction day job, he began performing around Chicago with John Brim, Floyd Jones, and Hip Lankchan. He would later own and operate the Artesia Lounge on Lake Street, which moved to West Madison Street and reopened as Backscratcher’s Social Club. Owning a club gave Arthur a regular place to perform, and he became a popular neighborhood attraction on the West Side. Twist Turner produced some of Arthur’s first recordings, which appeared first on cassette and then on Cannonball Records’ Blues Across America series.
As Arthur’s stature grew in Chicago, he recorded more, cutting two CDs for Delmark (Singin’ With The Sun and Live At Rosa’s Blues Lounge
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew. May 26, 2026 11:08 AM Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st… “We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.” Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.… Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful. May 12, 2026 11:42 AM The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and… Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard. May 12, 2026 10:00 AM Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on… How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen. May 26, 2026 10:40 AM Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
In other news... DownBeat's Most Read Stories
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Nik Bärtsch: The Community of Groove
The End of the Bad Plus
Ava Preston Wins Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition
Miles Davis at 100: Love for a Complicated Genius
