NEW ORLEANS Jazzman Ellis Marsalis, patriarch of a family of big names in jazz, died Wednesday at the age of 85, after contracting the coronavirus, announced his son Branford. This pianist and teacher, who has appeared on dozens of albums over a decadeslong career, is the father of trumpeter Wynton and saxophonist Branford Marsalis. “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., as a result of complications from the coronavirus,” said his son Branford in a statement on his website, adding that he had been hospitalized on Saturday. “My father was a giant in music and teaching, but an even greater father,” said Branford. “He put everything he had to allow us to develop the best of ourselves.– AFP
