Toots Thielemans dies

[Udo]

Legendary jazz harmonica player Toots Thielemans has died in Belgium at the age of 94. Belgian media reported Thielemans died in his sleep on Monday morning.

He was a legend in his own right but also played with jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis as well as mainstream stars such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel. His first international breakthrough came in 1950 when he joined Benny Goodman on a European concert tour. He emigrated to the US in 1952, joining Charlie Parker's All Stars.

His harmonica solos figure on many film scores, including Midnight Cowboy, The Getaway and Sugarland Express, but also on the theme music to the popular children's series, Sesame Street.

[Piet De Ridder]

A moment for respectful and grateful silence, in honour of a fabulous musician and universally loved human being.

_

[playz123]

Very sad news. He was, of course, a wonderful musician and also a gentleman.

[RobS]

How the BBC news website announced Toots Thielemans' death today:

'Sesame Street harmonica player dies'.

unbelievable

[Ashermusic]

A truly great one.

[Lawrence]

If it had to be a sound byte, I would have preferred "composer of "Bluesette", or "touched millions with his simple but beautifully nostalgic work in the film "Midnight Cowboy" or "virtuoso chromatic harmonica player and jazz guitarist/whistler/" or or or.