Legendary saxophonist Frank Foster dies at 82

Washington: Frank Foster, the celebrated jazz saxophonist and composer best known for his association with the Count Basie Orchestra, has died. He was 82.

He passed away at his home in Virginia on Tuesday after deciding to stop his dialysis treatments several weeks ago. Foster suffered a stroke in 2001, impairing the movement of his left side and forcing him to leave his saxophone. Many other health issues developed in the recent years due to which he was put on dialysis for his kidney problems. Foster, winner of two Grammy Awards, started playing the flute and saxophone as a teenager, later moving to Michigan to become a part of the Count Basie Orchestra. He has composed the band’s hit songs ‘Shiny Stockings’, ‘Down for the Count’ and ‘Blues Backstage’. Foster is survived by wife Cecilia, son Frank and daughter Jardice. ANI