Wayne Shorter

Wayne Shorter is a jazz saxophonist and composer, known for his decades long stint as both a solo bandleader and a supporting player with Miles Davis and Art Blakey, as well as his status as a founding member of the jazz fusion combo Weather Report.

Fast Facts

1. Genre: Jazz
2. Name: Wayne Shortner
3. Born: August 25, 1933
4. Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey
5. Active: 1959-present
6. Albums: 23
7. Record Labels: Blue Note Records, Verve Records
8. Awards: 9 Grammy Awards
9. Received honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music
10. Associated with: Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Joe Zawinul
11. Nickname: Mr. Gone
12. Played mostly soprano saxiphone by the 1970s
13. Religion: Nichiren Buddhism

Career

In 1959 Shorter joined Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers eventually becoming the musical director for the group. After five years Miles Davis persuaded Shorter to join the Miles Davis Quintet where he composed extensively for Davis. During his time with the Miles Davis Quintet he did some solo recordings with Blue Note Records.

In 1970 Shorter and Joe Zawinul formed the fusion jazz group Weather Report which stayed together until 1985.

After leaving Weather Report he continued working with jazz fusion groups including a 1988 tour with Carlos Santana. Shorter has continued releasing solo work and received the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album.

Notable Recordings

• 1959: Introducing Wayne Shortner
• 1964: JuJu
• 1971: Odyssey of Iska
• 1995: High Life
• 2005: Beyond the Sound Barrier

Categories