The American jazz musician Ellis Marsalis Jr has died from complications of Covid-19, his family has announced.
The pianist, who was 85, spent the majority of his career in New Orleans and released more than 15 albums.
“Ellis Marsalis was a legend. He was the prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz,” the city’s mayor, LaToya Cantrell, said in a statement.
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Marsalis Jr taught jazz and the creative arts at a number of schools and universities, largely in New Orleans. He also spent decades mentoring young musicians in the city.
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He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Four of his six sons have had successful careers as jazz musicians, including nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis.
Source: BBC
