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Jazz Saxophonist And Composer, Yusef Lateef, Dies At 93

DETROIT (WWJ) - Jazz artists Miles Davis to Wes Montgomery and present day performers from Boney James to Kenny G have all been influenced by Yusef Lateef.

Hugh Smith owner of Baker's Keyboard Lounge reminisces about the renowned saxaphonist Yusef Lateef, a man he called a legend:

"From the testimony of many viewers that said one of their most memorible experiences here at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, which is the oldest jazz club in the world, was of Yusef Lateef on stage - the way that he presented himself and graced the stage," noted Smith.

He says Lateef was a revolutionary, a rebel of his time, he played jazz by his own rules but could speak to the human conditon.

Lateff's last performed in France during the summer

The saxophonist and composer who grew up in the Motor City and passed away at his home in Massachusetts after a short illness. Yusef Lateef was 93.

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