(via NYT)
Elvin Jones, whose explosive drumming powered the John Coltrane Quartet, the most influential and controversial jazz ensemble of the 1960’s, died yesterday in Manhattan. He was 76 and lived in Manhattan and Nagasaki, Japan.
Mr. Jones’s death, which came after several months of failing health, was announced by John DeChristopher, director of artist relations for the Avedis Zildjian Company, maker of Mr. Jones’s cymbals. Mr. Jones continued to perform until a few weeks ago, often taking an oxygen tank onto the bandstand.