sonny fortune
Cornelius “Sonny” Fortune (May 19, 1939[1] – October 25, 2018) was an American jazz saxophonist. Fortune played soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, clarinet, and flute.
Biography
He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. After moving to New York City in 1967, Fortune recorded and appeared live with drummer Elvin Jones’s group.[1] In 1968, he was a member of Mongo Santamaría’s band. He performed with singer Leon Thomas, and with pianist McCoy Tyner (1971–73). In 1974, Fortune replaced Dave Liebman in Miles Davis’s ensemble, remaining until spring 1975,[1] when he was succeeded by Sam Morrison. Fortune can be heard on the albums Big Fun, Get Up With It, Agharta, and Pangaea, the last two recorded live in Japan.[
Sonny Fortune, performing with the Elvin Jones Quartet at Bimhuis in Amsterdam, on March 29, 1986. The celebrated saxophonist died Oct. 25 in New York.
Sonny Fortune (alto saxophone) performing at Sweet Rhythm on Thursday night, December 8, 2005. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images)
