Zoot Sims

John Haley "Zoot" Sims (1925-1985) was an American jazz saxophonist.

Related Topics:
American - Jazz - Saxophonist

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Born on October 29, 1925 in Inglewood, California, Sims' family was involved in vaudeville. For his part, Zoot learned to play both drums and clarinet at an early age.

Related Topics:
October 29 - 1925 - Inglewood - California - Vaudeville - Drums - Clarinet

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Sims developed into an innovative tenor saxophone player and played with a number of renowned bands throughout his career, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, and Buddy Rich. Zoot frequently led his own combos and frequently toured with friends Al Cohn and Gerry Mulligan. Late in his career, Sims picked up the soprano saxophone as well. Sims' nickname was later appropriated for the sax-playing Muppet of the same name.

Related Topics:
Tenor saxophone - Benny Goodman - Artie Shaw - Woody Herman - Buddy Rich - Al Cohn - Gerry Mulligan - Soprano saxophone - Muppet

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Zoot Sims died in New York on March 23, 1985.

Related Topics:
New York - March 23 - 1985

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