Photo Credit: Morguefile

It’s a sad day for jazz. Ornette Coleman, legendary saxophonist, passed away in Manhattan on Thursday at the age of 85. A representative for his family says that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Coleman led a hugely successful and influential musical career. His take on jazz was unique and unprecedented, and listeners all around just adored his work. While his 1958 debut album, Something Else!!! was impressive, most critics say it was his 1959 sophomore attempt, The Shape of Jazz to Come, that changed Coleman’s career and jazz music forever. In 2007, Coleman won the Pulitzer Prize.

Our hearts go out to Coleman’s family at this difficult time.