Julian Cannonball Adderley

Julian "Cannonball" Adderley (September 15, 1928 - August 8, 1975), originally from Tampa, Florida was a jazz saxophonist of the small combo era of the 1950s and 60s. Cannonball first gained national attention as a member of the Miles Davis sextet, appearing with Davis, John Coltrane, and other jazz giants on Kind of Blue, one of the best-selling jazz albums in history.

The Cannonball Adderley Quintet featured Cannonball on alto sax and his brother Nat Adderley on cornet. The Quintet and other combos included such noted musicians as pianist Joe Zawinul (later of Weather Report), Art Blakey, and Yusef Lateef.

The nickname "Cannonball" is an apt name for the portly saxophonist. An articulate speaker with an easy manner, Cannonball educated, amused, and informed his audiences in clubs and on television about the art and moods of jazz (he was a music teacher before beginning his jazz career).

Songs made famous by Cannonball and his bands include 'Work Song' and 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy' (written by Joe Zawinul).

Discography

• Somethin' Else - with Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones, Art Blakey
• Jazz at the Lighthouse
• Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
• Them Dirty Blues

External Links

The Cannonball Adderley Rendez-vous