Trumpet, Flugelhorn | 1938-2008

Frederick Dewayne Hubbard was one of jazz's most brilliant trumpeters, described as the most powerful voice of a generation straddling hard bop and avant-garde. Born in Indianapolis, he studied with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's principal trumpeter before moving to New York in 1958 at age 20. Recommended by Miles Davis, he recorded his Blue Note debut Open Sesame in 1960 at 22, beginning a prolific period that yielded eight leader albums and 28 sideman sessions for the label through 1967.

Hubbard's rich, full tone appeared on the 1960s' most important recordings: Coleman's Free Jazz, Nelson's The Blues and the Abstract Truth, Dolphy's Out to Lunch, Hancock's Maiden Voyage, and Coltrane's Ascension. His 1961-1964 tenure with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers alongside Wayne Shorter established his hard bop virtuosity. The 1970s brought commercial success with CTI Records albums Red Clay, Straight Life, and Grammy-winning First Light. He received the NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2006, two years before his death. His legacy remains one of unmatched technical facility and fiery melodic improvisation.