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.
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
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
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Genre
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Name
Wayne Shortner
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Born
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Birthplace
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Active
1959-present
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Albums
23
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Record Labels
Blue Note Records, Verve Records
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Awards
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Fact:
Received honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music
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Associated with
Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Joe Zawinul
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Nickname
Mr. Gone
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Fact:
Played mostly soprano saxiphone by the 1970s
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Religion
Nichiren Buddhism
