Roy Hargrove

Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, known for his bold tone and deep jazz roots, rose to prominence in the late '80s and '90s with albums like Public Eye and Habana, earning accolades and collaborating with legends like Sonny Rollins and Erykah Badu. Born in Texas in 1969, Hargrove honed his skills under mentor Wynton Marsalis before branching out into funk and hip-hop with his group the RH Factor. Despite battling kidney disease, Hargrove remained active in the jazz scene until his passing in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy on the genre.

Hargrove's career blossomed with albums like Family and Earfood, showcasing his versatility and mastery of the trumpet. He delved into Afro-Cuban influences with the Grammy-winning Habana and later explored soul and hip-hop collaborations, all while maintaining a strong connection to traditional jazz. Even as his health declined, Hargrove continued to tour and record, leaving behind a rich catalog of music that includes the posthumous chart-topping album In Harmony with pianist Mulgrew Miller. His impact on the jazz world endures, cementing his status as a groundbreaking and influential musician.