Fact #3529
When:
Short story:
Pioneering jazz saxophonist Lester Young, nicknamed Prez, dies aged 49 in New York City, USA, having virtually drunk himself to death. His tragic passing will inspire Charles Mingus to compose the elegy Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (because Young was often seen wearing a broad-rimmed pork pie hat) later in the year. In 1979, Joni Mitchell will add lyrics to the melody, telling the story of Young's life.
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