Musician. A saxophonist, he will be remembered for his contributions to Billy Joel's hit song "Just the Way You Are" (1977). He was given a saxophone at the age of twelve and was a natural at mastering the instrument with the aid of such influential jazz figures as Benny Carter and Charlie 'Bird' Parker. Woods earned entry into the Juilliard Conservatory in New York City and following his graduation, he got his break when Quincy Jones hired him as the lead alto sax player for Dizzy Gillespie's touring band. Following this experience, he was a much sought after musician and found stints with Benny Goodman, Clark Terry and Benny Carter (who was an inspiration during his youth). In 1968, he moved to Europe where he made a name for himself, but returned to the United States during the mid 1970s. He collaborated with Michel Legrand on the album "Images" (1975), for which earned a Grammy Award. Additionally that year, he contributed to the Steely Dan song "Dr. Wu" (1975) and Paul Simon's album "Still Crazy After All These Years" (1975). In 2007, he was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and received a Living Jazz Legend Award from the Kennedy Center. Woods died of complications from emphysema.
Musician. A saxophonist, he will be remembered for his contributions to Billy Joel's hit song "Just the Way You Are" (1977). He was given a saxophone at the age of twelve and was a natural at mastering the instrument with the aid of such influential jazz figures as Benny Carter and Charlie 'Bird' Parker. Woods earned entry into the Juilliard Conservatory in New York City and following his graduation, he got his break when Quincy Jones hired him as the lead alto sax player for Dizzy Gillespie's touring band. Following this experience, he was a much sought after musician and found stints with Benny Goodman, Clark Terry and Benny Carter (who was an inspiration during his youth). In 1968, he moved to Europe where he made a name for himself, but returned to the United States during the mid 1970s. He collaborated with Michel Legrand on the album "Images" (1975), for which earned a Grammy Award. Additionally that year, he contributed to the Steely Dan song "Dr. Wu" (1975) and Paul Simon's album "Still Crazy After All These Years" (1975). In 2007, he was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and received a Living Jazz Legend Award from the Kennedy Center. Woods died of complications from emphysema.
Bio by: C.S.
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