15. Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet blazed trails as one of jazz’s first great soloists, mastering both the clarinet and the soprano saxophone. A dynamic force in early New Orleans jazz, Bechet’s exuberant playing and rich vibrato brought a new voice to improvisation. His influence extended overseas, where he helped popularize jazz in France and across Europe. Bechet’s expressive style and pioneering spirit remain foundational to the jazz tradition. Read more at Jazzwise.
