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Arts & Culture

Jazz Great James Moody Dies At Age 85

A photograph of James Moody taken by another noted artist, photographer Herman Leonard.
A photograph of James Moody taken by another noted artist, photographer Herman Leonard.

One of jazz's luminaries, saxophonist James Moody, has died at the age of 85. For the last 10 months, Moody battled pancreatic cancer and announced in November that he would no longer seek treatment for the disease.

Earlier this month, Moody received a Grammy nomination for his most recent album, "4B," in the category of Best Instrumental Jazz Album. It is the fourth nomination in his long, acclaimed career.

Moody is best known for his 1949 interpretation of "I'm In The Mood for Love." Called "Moody's Mood For Love," the song features one of the most acclaimed sax solos in jazz history.

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Mr. Moody was featured in “The Jazz Masters,” the first episode of the 2005 PBS series “Legends of Jazz.”

He and his wife have lived in San Diego since 1989.