Phil Woods, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, was a titan of the alto saxophone, renowned for his bright, clean sound and sterling technique. A disciple of Charlie Parker, Woods developed his own signature voice in the mid-'50s and remained a formidable force in jazz for over six decades. He collaborated with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, and Benny Goodman, and his solos graced hit records by Paul Simon and Billy Joel. Woods was not just a virtuoso saxophonist but also a prolific composer and bandleader, with over 200 songs to his credit, including "The Sun Suite" and "American Songbook." His charismatic storytelling and insightful observations made him a beloved figure in jazz circles. Woods received the NEA Jazz Masters fellowship in 2007, cementing his legacy as one of the true masters of the bop vocabulary. His passing in 2015 marked the end of an era, but his music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
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