Jazz trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard passed away on Monday, December 29 at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 70. He dazzled audiences with his enormous sound and blazing chops, appearing on some of the greatest jazz albums of the 1960s, working with everyone from Herbie Hancock to John Coltrane. In the '70s, Freddie became legendary for his funk and fusion records, including his Grammy-winning First Light (1972).

Since the 1990s, the Indianapolis-born trumpeter suffered from lip problems that would plague him for the rest of his career, but he still continued to perform and compose. He released his final album, On the Real Side (Times Square Records), in June 2008. His influence can be heard in the playing of all modern jazz trumpet players, from Maurice Brown and Roy Hargrove to Wynton Marsalis.

Freddie is survived by his wife, Briggie, and his son, Duane. To all of those who loved Freddie's music and would like to help his family defray the hospital and funeral costs, you can make a donation to his wife at: Mrs. Bridgitte Hubbard
, 14843 Addison Street, 
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

You can also sound off on your favorite Freddie Hubbard albums in our forums, under the freewheeling Louisiana music discussion.