Toots Thielemans

Probably best known for the haunting, melancholic harmonica part in John Barry's film score for the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, Toots Thielemans forged a name for himself playing with some of the giants of jazz. Acknowledged as the man who introduced the chromatic harmonica to jazz, Thielemans was also an accomplished guitar player. His talent led to him sharing the stage with artists such as Jaco Pastorius, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson and Quincy Jones. As his career progressed he was always in demand when a film score required a harmonica part and his distinctive style can be heard in films such as The Pawnbroker, Cindrella Liberty, The Sugarland Express and Looking For Mr. Goodbar. His harmonica also featured in the theme music for Sesame Street for the duration of its 40-year TV run. Born in Brussels, Thielemans was an admirer of fellow Belgian Django Reinhardt and taught himself to play listening to Reinhardt's recordings. Following an appearance playing harmonica at a New York club in 1948 Thielemans was approached by Benny Goodman's agent and was invited to join Goodman's band. He went on to tour with Goodman for the next two years and from there his career took off. He relocated to America in 1952 where he joined Charlie Parker's All-Stars, working with the likes of Dinah Washington and Miles Davis. In 1955 he recorded his first album as a fully-fledged band leader titled The Sound. This release paved the way for Thielemans to lead a group of musicians and he went on to work with Ella Fitzgerald, Pat Metheny and Bill Evans. Thielemans occupied a unique niche in the world of jazz and celebrated his 90th birthday in New York playing with Herbie Hancock, Eliane Elias and Kenny Werner. Thielemans made many friends during his long career and when he died at the age of 94 amongst the many tributes read out at his funeral was a personal message from President Barrack Obama.