Jazz Trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard 1938-2008

Legendary jazz Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard passed way December 29,2008.
Hubbard was 70 years old , he passed away from complications of a Thanksgiving heart attack. Hubbard was born in Indianapolis , Indiana in 1938 it was there that he got his start working with local jazz musician Wes Montgomery in 1958 . In the 1960's he played as a sideman with jazz luminaries such as Ornette Coleman ,John Coltrane , Herbie Hancock ,and Wayne Shorter. Hubbard achieved great success in the early 70's winning a Grammy in 1972, and eclipsing such musicians as George Benson . Hubbard crossed over in 1978 playing on the critically acclaimed Billy Joel's 52nd Street album . In the 1980's Hubbard fronted his band , playing with Joe Henderson , it was during this time his popularity soared in Europe. In the 1990's as Hubbard's health began to fail him , he playing jazz sporadically. In 2006 the National Endowment for the Arts honored Hubbard with its highest honor in jazz, the NEA Jazz Masters Award . Freddie will be missed , he is now playing the trumpet in the celestial choir .Rest in Peace .....