Jazz Pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. Die From Coronavirus Complications

Jazz Pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. Die From Coronavirus Complications

On Wednesday, complications from COVID-19 claimed the life of pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis Jr.

His son Branford Marsalis told the New York Times.

“Ellis Marsalis was a legend. He was the prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement Wednesday night.

“He was a teacher, a father, and an icon — and words aren’t sufficient to describe the art, the joy and the wonder he showed the world.”

A musical dynasty: Four of Marsalis’ six sons followed in his musical footsteps, and established their own lasting careers in the industry. Ellis’ son Wynton is managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and winner of multiple awards.

His son Branford is a jazz saxophonist who has recorded albums with Sting, among others.

Marsalis, who was 85 years old, contributed to a late-20th-century resurgence in jazz and influenced four musician sons on to prominent careers, including jazz artists Wynton and Branford.