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Don Cherry Don Cherry, born on November 18, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was an American jazz trumpeter, cornetist, composer, and bandleader known for his pioneering contributions to avant-garde jazz and world music. Cherry's career spanned over five decades, during which he established himself as one of the most innovative and adventurous musicians in the history of jazz. Cherry first gained prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a member of the Ornette Coleman Quartet, where his unique approach to trumpet playing and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and ideas helped define the avant-garde jazz movement. Cherry's playing with Coleman was characterized by its melodic invention, its rhythmic complexity, and its ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz improvisation. After leaving Coleman's group, Cherry went on to lead his own groups and collaborate with a wide range of musicians, including John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Albert Ayler, among many others. His music, which blended elements of jazz, world music, and avant-garde, was known for its eclectic influences, its use of non-traditional instruments, and its exploration of different musical cultures. One of Cherry's most famous compositions is "Complete Communion," a suite of music that blends elements of jazz, world music, and free improvisation. The piece, which was recorded in 1965, is considered a classic of the avant-garde jazz genre and showcases Cherry's innovative approach to composition and improvisation. Cherry's influence on jazz and music as a whole is immeasurable. His willingness to experiment with new sounds and ideas, his openness to different musical cultures, and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music have inspired generations of musicians. He remains one of the most respected and admired figures in the history of jazz. Don Cherry passed away on October 19, 1995, but his music continues to be celebrated and admired by jazz fans around the world. His legacy as a pioneering musician and innovator in the world of jazz and world music is secure, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.