Jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco dies at age 91
Legendary jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco died on Wednesday in a Panama City hospital, his family confirmed on Friday to The Associated Press.
DeFranco, who was 91, collaborated with musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Art Tatum, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett. He had been named a Living Jazz Legend at at Kennedy Center ceremony, and he was recognized 16 times as the top jazz clarinetist in the world.
Below, take a listen to DeFranco's expertise in a couple clips of him and Terry Gibbs appearing on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. The suits may be dated, but the performances are as stylish as ever. --Sarah Eberspacher
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