Trailblazing Saxophonist, Educator Bunky Green Dies at 91

By DownBeat I Mar. 11, 2025

Green rose to prominence in the 1960s, performing with jazz greats such as Charles Mingus, Sonny Stitt and Elvin Jones.
(Photo: Michael Jackson)

Vernice “Bunky” Green, the trailblazing alto saxophonist, composer and educator, passed away on March 1 at age 91. Known for his bold harmonic approach and deeply expressive sound, Green was a pioneering figure in modern jazz, influencing generations of musicians with his adventurous improvisation and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Born in Milwaukee on April 23, 1933, Green rose to prominence in the 1960s, performing with jazz greats such as Charles Mingus, Sonny Stitt and Elvin Jones. His early recordings showcased a unique approach to bebop, but it was his later work — marked by angular lines, unconventional phrasing and a forward-thinking harmonic sensibility — that cemented his reputation as an innovator.

Beyond his contributions as a performer, Green was a dedicated educator who profoundly impacted jazz education. He taught at Chicago State University from 1972 to 1989, and in 1990 he took up the directorship of the jazz studies program at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he mentored countless students, inspiring them to find their own voices in the ever-evolving world of jazz until his retirement in 2011. He is a past president of the International Association of Jazz Education and was inducted into the IAJE Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2003 Green was inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame for Jazz Education. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, as his recordings and performances continued to inspire musicians around the globe.

Despite never achieving mainstream fame, Green remained a musician’s musician, admired for his fearless creativity and deep emotional connection to his instrument. His 1989 session on the Delos label, Healing The Pain, commemorates the death of his parents and was awarded a 5-star rating in DownBeat. Green’s 2006 studio album Another Place also received a 5-star review from DownBeat. His 2008 album Apex, a collaboration with fellow saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, introduced his music to a new generation and reaffirmed his status as one of the most forward-thinking altoists of his time.

Green’s legacy lives on through his recordings, his students and the lasting impact of his innovative spirit. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith “Edie” Green, and is survived by family, friends and the countless students and musicians he inspired. DB