Died On This Date (March 7, 1971) Harold McNair / Jazz Flute Great
themusicsover Harold McNair
November 5, 1931 – March 7, 1971
Harold McNair was a respected jazz flautist and saxophonist who followed a less-than-traditional way to jazz greatest. Born in Jamaica, McNair spent the early years of his career making Island music. He also sang Calypso. McNair recorded his first album, 1960’s Bahama Bash, in Miami, Florida, and in 1960, he moved to Europe where he toured with Quincy Jones before settling in London. He also played on the scores of several Paris films and television programs. Soon, McNair joined up with Charles Mingus, but the quartet was quickly derailed thanks to a U.K. musicians’ strike. McNair released several albums throughout his career, and played on recordings by the likes of Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Blossom Dearie, Donovan, and Ginger Baker. Harold McNair died of lung cancer on March 7, 1971. He was just 39 years old.
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