(born Sept. 15, 1928, Tampa, Fla., U.S. — died Aug. 8, 1975, Gary, Ind.) U.S. jazz saxophonist. He worked as a music teacher and led army bands before moving to New York City in the mid-1950s. Acclaimed as a stylistic heir of
Charlie Parker, he was also influenced by the more traditional
rhythm-and-blues phrasing of
Benny Carter. He performed with trumpeter
Miles Davis from 1957 to 1959, then led an ensemble with his brother, cornetist Nat Adderley (1931 – 2000). In the 1960s he introduced
gospel-music harmonies to his music.
For more information on Cannonball Adderley, visit Britannica.com.