Wayne Shorter, Jazz Saxophonist And Composer, Dead At 89

etcanada.com:

Visionary composer, saxophonist and visual artist Wayne Shorter has passed away at the age of 89. His cause of death remains unknown, however the devoted husband, father and grandfather was surrounded by his loving family in Los Angeles at the time of his transition.

He is survived by his wife Carolina, daughters Miyako and Mariana, and newly-born grandson Max. Prior to his death, Shorter won his 13th Grammy award in February. READ MORE: 2023 Grammy Awards: Complete Winners List During the last few prolific years of his life, the extraordinary musician attained his opera …Iphigenia, written in collaboration with Esperanza Spalding, which played to widespread critical acclaim across the country in 2020, and released his Grammy-winning triple album and graphic novel EMANON in 2018. “Wayne Shorter, my best friend, left us with courage in his heart, love and compassion for all, and a seeking spirit for the eternal future,” said Herbie Hancock, Shorter’s closest friend and collaborator for more than six decades. “He was ready for his rebirth.

As it is with every human being, he is irreplaceable and was able to reach the pinnacle of excellence as a saxophonist, composer, orchestrator, and recently, composer of the masterful opera …Iphigenia,” he continued in a statement, also shared to his Twitter account. “I miss being around him and his special Wayne-isms but I carry his spirit within my heart always.” READ MORE: Musician Ben Kweller Reveals 16-Year-Old Son Dorian Zev Was Killed In Heartbreaking Instagram Post Don Was, president of Blue Note Records, also shared a statement with ET Canada, that reads: “Maestro Wayne Shorter was our hero, guru, and beautiful friend.