Jesper Thilo, born on November 28, 1941, in Copenhagen, Denmark, was a Danish jazz musician known for his skills as a tenor saxophonist, alto saxophonist, clarinettist, and bandleader. He began playing the clarinet at age 11 and started his professional career by joining Arnved Meyer's orchestra in 1960. Jesper Thilo recorded his first albums as a leader for Storyville Records in the 1970s, including Flat Foot Floogie (1976). Throughout the 1980s, he collaborated with notable musicians like Kenny Drew and Clark Terry, and played in Ernie Wilkins' Almost Big Band. His discography includes releases such as Shufflin' (1990) and Snap Your Fingers! (2004), and he appeared on Miles Davis's album Aura (1985). Jesper Thilo was awarded the Danish Jazz Musician of the Year in 1971. He died on April 25, 2026, at the age of 84.
