Honoring Benny Golson — Jan. 25, 1929–Sept. 21, 2024

Benny Golson, giant of the tenor saxophone and one of jazz’s most prolific composers, passed away at the age of 95 on September 21, 2024. There is only one recorded musical meeting between Mingus and Golson among their storied careers: at Columbia Records’ famed 30th Street Studios in November 1959. The result was the album Mingus Dynasty, where Golson’s distinctive tone is heard supporting the mid-sized ensemble through five tracks as the group performs “Diane”, “Song With Orange”, “Things Ain’t The Way They Used To Be”, “New Now Know How”, and “Strollin’” (also known as “Nostalgia in Times Square”). Additional material from this session was later released on the Columbia Records compilation Alternate Takes, produced by Michael Cuscuna. Golson also arranged Mingus’ “Ecclusiastics” in 1963 for an album featuring Rahsaan Roland Kirk backed by the arranger’s orchestra.

Benny Golson and Charles Mingus are among the many jazz legends seen in the famous photograph titled "A Great Day In Harlem", captured August 12, 1958. (Photo: Art Kane)