Longtime Duke Ellington lead alto player John Cornelius "Rabbit" Hodges is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest solo instrumentalists ever.

Dawson, whose highest priorities were his family and his students, was the first drummer called by virtually every top touring jazz musician who came to Boston.

Considered to possess one of the most distinctive sounds in the history of jazz, this baritone-saxophonist worked with Duke Ellington for over 46 years.

Like Hodges and Carney, Gonsalves spent decades with Ellington, and his extended solo with the Ellington band at Newport 1956 made him a legend.

There was hardly a jazz instrument or style that this incredibly talented, creative force did not master as a player, composer, arranger, band leader and teacher.)

Known as a "Dixieland" cornet player, Hackett also became renowned for his "String of Pearls" solo with Glenn Miller and his lyric solos with Jackie Gleason.

Son of Boston saxophonist Tilman Williams and mentored by Alan Dawson, this fiery, polyrhythmic drummer is best known for his work with Miles Davis.

William Sebastian Lewis didnt come to Boston until he was 18, but he became the best known local jazz pianist and band leader to almost never hit the road.

Son of musically accomplished parents, this baritone sax virtuoso became one of the masters at bridging the elements of swing and bebop.

He played all of the saxophones, was a masterful blues and ballad player and was a known influence on John Coltrane.