Booker Little

Booker Little Jr. was a prodigious American jazz trumpeter and composer who, despite his tragically short career, left an indelible mark on the genre. Born in Memphis, Little's prodigious talent was evident early on, leading him to study at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and impress the likes of Sonny Rollins. His collaborations with jazz greats Max Roach, John Coltrane, and Eric Dolphy resulted in some of the most innovative and influential recordings of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Little's own albums, such as "Booker Little 4 & Max Roach" and "Out Front," showcase his unique voice, blending hard bop, free jazz, and bebop influences. His compositions and performances are a testament to his extraordinary talent and the profound impact he made before his untimely death at the age of 23.