Eric Dolphy (1928-1964) Woodwind instrumentalist most known for playing alto sax, flute, and bass clarinet. Heavily associated with bassist/composer Charles Mingus and saxophonist John Coltrane. [Live Video: Meditations on Integration]
Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977) Woodwind instrumentalist who played saxophone, flute, and many customized instruments. He was known for being able to play multiple saxophones at a time by using circular breathing and custom horns. [Live Video: Serenade to a Cuckoo]
Yusef Lateef (1920-2013) Woodwind instrumentalist who was known for primarily playing tenor sax and flute, but also played oboe, bassoon, and a variety of other non-western wind instruments. [Video: The Golden Flute]
Hubert Laws (b. 1939) Flute player with professional experience in both jazz and classical idioms. [Live Video: Sophisticated Lady/Corcovado]
Herbie Mann (1930-2003) Woodwind instrumentalist who specialized on the flute. He was also a part of the early world music movement in jazz. [Live Video: Comin’ Home Baby]
James Moody (1925-2010) A saxophonist (primarily tenor and alto), flute player, and occasionally vocalist. He was famous for his hit “Moody’s Mood For Love.” [Live Video: Cherokee]
Sam Most (1930-2013) Among the first bebop flute players. Played with artists including Tommy Dorsey and Buddy Rich. [Live Video: With a Song in My Heart]
Frank Wess (1922-2013) A saxophonist and flautist most known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra, where he brought visibility to the flute in the jazz idiom. [Live Video: Cute]