Sophia Michaels
Wayne Shorter had a remarkable career spanning over 70 years. He began his professional journey in 1956 as a saxophonist for the Horace Silver Quintet. However, his big break came two years later when he joined the Jazz Messengers, a jazz-fusion band founded by Art Blakey. Shorter developed a unique, mellifluous sound that was unheard of among saxophonists at the time. He also had successful collaborations with Miles Davis, writing and performing hits such as “Footprints,” “Nefertiti,” and “Prince of Darkness.”
Shorter continued to work hard throughout his career, and was rewarded with 12 Grammy awards and 23 nominations. His last Grammy win was in February 2023 for “Best Improvised Jazz Solo” alongside soloist Leo Genovese for “Endangered Species.” He is survived by his wife, Carolina Dos Santos, and his daughter Mikako, whom he wrote the song “Miyako” for.
