PITTSFIELD, Mass., April 26 (UPI) -- Jazz clarinetist Jimmy Giuffre, known for both his minimalist efforts and striking orchestra works, has died at the age of 86 in Pittsfield, Mass.
The New York Times reported Saturday that after a 50-year career in the jazz industry, Giuffre died of pneumonia, which had been brought on by complications from Parkinson's disease.
After breaking into the music industry with the 1955 album "Tangents in Jazz," Giuffre gained notoriety but not commercial success with drummer-less trios that embraced the quieter side of the jazz world.
His greatest success came with the composition "Four Brothers," which became a hit in 1947 when it was performed by jazz clarinetist Woody Herman's Second Herd.
Giuffre also formed the Jimmy Giuffre Three with guitarist Jim Hall and bassist Ralph Pea and taught music at the Lenox School of Jazz.
The Times said Giuffre, who died Thursday, is survived by his wife Juanita.
