The 1960’s brought on an era of forward thinking musicians. Many who were somewhat dismissive of the early traditions of jazz which included humorous sound effects with in the music. One musician to arise at the end of the 50’s was certainly a rare force of nature. His influences drew out of everything from Jelly Roll Morton to the popular songs of Bill Withers. In 1960 his first album for Cadet Records was criticized and he was accused of being a gimmick. He responded by saying he did the things he did for a reason and was playing what he heard in his head.

This multi instrumentalist continued his own path through out his carrier until his death in 1977. His deep roots in the music he referred to as “Classical Black Music” never wavered and he will certainly be remembered as one of the most unique free sprits of music.

Who was this months multi instrumentalist and as a bonus what was one impairment that he suffered from? .