Eric Dolphy

American jazz alto saxophonist, flautist, and bass clarinetist.

Born June 20, 1928 in Los Angeles, California, USA
Died June 29, 1964 in Berlin, Germany

Dolphy was credited to pioneering the use of the Bass Clarinet as a solo improvising instrument and much of his best work was in the company of John Coltrane and Charles Mingus. His death was tragic however, unable to finish some work in America and anxious to prove himself before his forthcoming marriage, he travelled to Europe 'single' but soon died of undiagnosed diabetes in Berlin.