February 4, 2013: Jazz and rhythm & blues trumpeter Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture “Donald” Byrd II passed away. He was born December 9, 1932.
A sideman for many other jazz musicians of his generation, Byrd was best known as one of the only bebop jazz musicians who successfully pioneered the funk and soul genres while simultaneously remaining a jazz artist.
As a bandleader, Byrd is also notable for his influential role in the early career of keyboard player and composer Herbie Hancock.