Jimmy Heath
Jazz Legends - A podcast by Jazz Legends
![](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/a5/3e/ea/a53eea58-9134-9100-a5ed-06f30a8b5941/mza_16003520691017730630.jpg/300x300bb-75.jpg)
Categories:
Saxophonist/composer Jimmy Heath (born Oct 25, 1926) came from a musical family in the fertile music scene of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He and his brothers Percy, bassist with the Modern Jazz Quartet, and Tootie, drummer with a plethora of jazz groups have contributed far more than their share to the world of jazz. A contemporary and close friend of John Coltrane, Heath eclipsed his friend early in their careers, nicknamed “Little Bird”, Heath was chosen over Coltrane by no less than Dizzy Gillespie for a spot in one of his bands. A prolific composer and arranger, Heath has written any number of tunes that have become jazz standards. Enjoying the show? Help keep it going by donating here.