Benny Golson

Biography

Benny Golson (January 25, 1929 – September 21, 2024) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger, widely recognized as a leading figure in the hard bop movement. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Golson began his musical journey with piano lessons at age nine and was deeply influenced by classical composers before switching to saxophone at fourteen, inspired by Arnett Cobb's performance with Lionel Hampton's band. His formative years were spent among future jazz luminaries such as John Coltrane, Red Garland, Jimmy Heath, and Philly Joe Jones, and he later studied at Howard University, where he honed his skills as a composer and arranger[1][4].

Golson's professional career took off in the early 1950s, performing and writing for the big bands of Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, and Earl Bostic. He was a key member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, contributing classic compositions like "Moanin'," "Along Came Betty," and "Blues March." In 1959, Golson co-founded the influential sextet The Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer, which became a platform for his original works and featured notable musicians such as Curtis Fuller and McCoy Tyner. From the late 1960s, Golson shifted focus to studio and television work, composing for shows like "MAS*H," "Mission: Impossible," and "The Partridge Family," before returning to jazz performance and recording in the mid-1970s[1][4][5].

Golson's musical style evolved from a mainstream-modern tenor saxophone sound, influenced by Don Byas, to incorporating techniques inspired by his friend John Coltrane. He is celebrated for his eloquent melodic writing and his role in shaping the hard bop genre. Many of his compositions, including "I Remember Clifford," "Whisper Not," "Stablemates," "Killer Joe," and "Blues March," are now considered jazz standards. Golson's legacy is marked by his prolific output, his impact on jazz composition and performance, and his mentorship of younger musicians. He received numerous honors, including the Grammy Trustees Award in 2021[1][4].

Fun Facts

• Golson composed music for popular TV shows, including 'MAS*H,' 'Mission: Impossible,' and 'The Partridge Family,' during his Hollywood years.
• He wrote 'I Remember Clifford' as a tribute to his friend, trumpeter Clifford Brown, after Brown's tragic death.
• Golson was one of only two living jazz musicians (the other being Wayne Shorter) depicted in the famous 1958 'A Great Day in Harlem' photograph.
• He received the Grammy Trustees Award in 2021 for his contributions to music.

Associated Acts

• The Curtis Fuller Sextette
• The Jazztet - tenor saxophone
• Benny Golson Quintet - eponymous, original, tenor saxophone
• Roots - original
• Curtis Fuller's Quintet

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tadd Dameron - Golson's greatest compositional influence and mentor during his time in Bull Moose Jackson's band and later Dameron's own band. (Compositions and arrangements for Dameron's band) [1953–1959]
• Arnett Cobb - Inspired Golson to switch from piano to tenor saxophone after seeing him perform with Lionel Hampton. (Influence on Golson's instrumental choice) [1943]

Key Collaborators

• Art Farmer - Co-founder and co-leader of The Jazztet; frequent recording and performing partner. (The Jazztet albums (e.g., 'Meet the Jazztet')) [1959–1962, 1982–1999]
• Art Blakey - Member of the Jazz Messengers; contributed several classic compositions. (Album 'Moanin'' (1958)) [1958–1959]
• Curtis Fuller - Trombonist in The Jazztet and other Golson-led projects. (The Jazztet albums) [1959–1962, 1982–1990s]
• McCoy Tyner - Pianist in the original Jazztet lineup before joining Coltrane's quartet. (The Jazztet debut album) [1960]
• Lee Morgan, Bobby Timmons, Jymie Merritt - Fellow Philadelphians and bandmates in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. (Album 'Moanin'') [1958]

Artists Influenced

• John Coltrane - Childhood friend and peer; Golson's compositional style and approach influenced Coltrane's early development. (Coltrane's early works and approach to composition) [1940s–1950s]
• Cedar Walton - Pianist in later Jazztet lineups; influenced by Golson's writing and leadership. (The Jazztet recordings) [1960s]
• Grachan Moncur III - Trombonist in The Jazztet; benefited from Golson's arrangements and band direction. (The Jazztet recordings) [1960s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Remember Clifford (Benny Golson And The Philadelphians)
2. Dear Kathy (Turning Point)
3. Stella By Starlight (Turning Point)
4. Baby You Got What It Takes (The Enja Heritage Collection: You Got What It Takes)
5. My Romance (Free)
6. Mad About The Boy (Free)
7. Blues After Dark (Gone With Golson)
8. From Dream to Dream (New Time, New 'Tet)
9. Stacatto Swing (Gone With Golson)
10. Killer Joe (Terminal 1)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #bebop, #hard-bop, #jazz