King Curtis-Live At Fillmore West (1971)

Despite his short career, King Curtis was one of the most impressive saxophonists in American jazz. He played with iconic groups like Lionel Hampton's orchestra and was a major influence on the careers of Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding, among other prominent soul artists. His style, steeped in blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel, made him a versatile musician who moved brilliantly through the purest sounds of jazz, funk, and blues. Considered today one of the quintessential cult jazz performers, he left behind some of the most fundamental works of African American music, such as his magnificent live album "King Curtis Live at Fillmore West", recorded in early 1971 with his band His Soul Inc. A few months after this recording, King Curtis was murdered under mysterious circumstances after a heated argument with a man who was loitering near his Manhattan apartment late at night.