NEW ORLEANS — Ellis Marsalis, the jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical family that includes famed musician sons Wynton and Branford, has died.
He was 85. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Marsalis’ death in a news release Wednesday night. She did not specify a cause of death.
He had continued to perform regularly in New Orleans until December. Because Marsalis opted to stay in New Orleans for most of his career, his reputation was limited until his sons became famous and brought him the spotlight, along with new recording contracts and headliner performances on television and on tour.
Read more on nypost.com