LOS ANGELES, July 14 (UPI) -- Legendary jazz musician Benny Carter died during the weekend in Los Angeles at the age of 95.
The New York Times said Carter's talent as a composer, arranger, bandleader and soloist on several instruments was unmatched in the jazz world.
The Times said Carter's career was remarkable for both its length and musical achievement. He made his first recording in the 1920's and continued producing youthful-sounding improvisations into the 1990's.
Carter was one of the pre-eminent alto saxophonists in jazz, and was also an accomplished soloist on trumpet and clarinet. He also played piano, trombone and both tenor and baritone saxophones.
The Times said when he was 13, Carter bought a trumpet at a pawnshop, but when he was unable to play it after a weekend of effort he traded it in for a saxophone. By the time he was 15, he was sitting in with Harlem bands.
He'is survived by his wife, Hilma, a daughter, grandchild and great-grandchild.
