THE BENNY GOLSON STORY

Our dear brother, Benny Golson, a master Saxophonist revered as much for the durable standards he contributed to the jazz repertoire as for his eloquent tenor sound, died in early October 2024 at his home in Manhattan. He was 95 years old. Golson played an integral role in the transition from bebop to hard bop through his short but vital tenure with Art Blakely’s Jazz Messengers, and with his own influential Jazztet. But his place in the jazz pantheon would be secure even if he had never played a note. Few jazz musicians can claim as many bona fide standards to their credit. His reputation as a notable musician was highlighted in the movie The Terminal, with Tom Hanks as the lead actor with Benny appearing as himself in the movie. Listen to his own life story along with pictures about how he became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and faithfully…