jazz trumpeter Wallace Roney has died "from complications of COVID-19"

Jazz great and trumpeter Wallace Roney, who studied under Miles Davis and played with Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock and more, died today from complications from COVID-19. He was 59. “I am saddened to confirm that the iconic trumpeter and jazz legend Wallace Roney passed away due to complications of COVID-19 this morning just before noon,” his publicist, Lydia Liebman, wrote in a statement. “The family is looking to have a memorial service to honor Wallace and his musical contributions once this pandemic has passed. Please respect their privacy at this time.” Here’s SF Jazz’s tribute which they posted on Instagram:

A protégé of the legendary Miles Davis, Wallace was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, drummer Tony Williams’ bands of the 80s and 90s, and the Miles Davis Quintet alumni band VSOP including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. The group won a GRAMMY for their 1994 album A Tribute to Miles. Wallace recorded 21 albums as a leader and worked with Geri Allen, Cindy Blackman, Vincent Herring, Kenny Barron and many others.⁣

Rest in peace, Wallace. Listen to some of his music below.