Died On This Date (May 14, 1959) Sidney Bechet / Jazz Great
themusicsover Sidney Bechet
May 14, 1897 – May 14, 1959
Sidney Bechet was one of jazz’s greatest soloists. He began playing as a young teen in New Orleans, and by the time he was 20, he was traveling the world and making his mark on both the saxophone and clarinet. He was a prolific composer as well. Bechet’s life was not without controversy as evident by the pistol duel he once instigated in Paris. Bechet evidently had a notoriously bad temper. He was jailed and later deported. Bechet died on his 62nd birthday, May 14, 1959.
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Johnny Hodges was an American saxophonist who played lead in 
Lena Horne was a popular and influential jazz vocalist and actress who broke many color barriers over a career that spanned nearly seven decades, and her 1943 recording of “Stormy Weather” is arguably the most recognized song of its era. Horne was not only a multi-Grammy award-winning singer, she was also an award-winning star of stage, screen and television. She appeared in popular Broadway shows as well as numerous MGM musicals during their golden years. Horne was also a familiar face on television during most of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, either as a guest or star of her own specials. During the ’60s, Horne was one of the most visible celebrities involved with the Civil Rights movement. She remained professionally active well into the 2000s. Lena Horne was 92 when she passed away on May 9, 2010.
Francisco Aguabella was a revered Afro-Cuban, jazz and Salsa percussionist who was also a sacred drummer of the Santeria religion. Born and raised in Cuba, Aguabella picked up his first instrument at 12, and ultimately left home in his mid-20s to pursue his music career. He performed all over the world, appeared in the Shelley Winters film, Mambo, and played at the White House. Over the course of his career, Aguabella performed with