jazz Cornetist Bobby Bradford Dies at 87
Rochester,NY – Pioneering cornetist and composer Bobby Bradford died August 18,2025,at age 87. Bradford’s passing marks the end of an era for free jazz and avant-garde improvisation, leaving a void in a musical landscape he helped define for over six decades.
Bradford’s influence extends beyond his prolific discography; he was a mentor to generations of musicians, fostering a spirit of experimentation and collective creativity. His death comes amid renewed interest in the ancient contributions of Black artists to American music, and a growing recognition for the radical innovations of the 1960s and 70s free jazz movement. Bradford’s legacy will continue to inspire artists and challenge conventional notions of musical expression.
born in Seguin, Texas, on November 29, 1937, Bradford initially pursued studies in tailoring before dedicating himself to music. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1959, quickly becoming immersed in the city’s burgeoning avant-garde scene. A pivotal collaboration with saxophonist John Carter began in the early 1960s, resulting in the formation of the New Jazz Trio and a series of groundbreaking recordings.
The duo’s commitment to collective improvisation and extended forms challenged the boundaries of jazz, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Bradford and Carter co-founded the Black Lion Record label in 1968, providing a platform for their own work and that of other forward-thinking musicians.
Throughout his career, Bradford continued to explore new sonic territories, leading ensembles such as the Bobby Bradford Mo’tet and collaborating with a diverse range of artists. He received numerous awards and accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from the Vision Festival in 2012. Bradford remained active as a performer and educator untill his death, embodying a lifelong dedication to the power of improvised music.
