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Larry McKenna Saxophone Death, Famous Philadelphia Musician died at age 86

Larry McKenna, a legendary jazz saxophonist and a Philadelphia icon, has died on November 20, 2023. He was 86 years old.

Who was Larry McKenna?

Larry McKenna was a masterful jazz musician who had a beautiful and distinctive sound on the tenor saxophone. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, where he started playing the saxophone at the age of 15. He graduated from the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and became a professional musician in the 1950s. He played with many jazz greats, such as Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Frank Sinatra.

Larry was also a prolific composer and arranger, who wrote many jazz-oriented arrangements for school concert bands, which can be purchased from Northeastern Music Publications. He also recorded several albums under his own name, such as “It Might As Well Be Spring”, “My Shining Hour”, and “Profile”, which received critical acclaim and showcased his original compositions and his balladry.

Larry McKenna Saxophone Death, Famous Philadelphia Musician died at age 86

Larry was known for his humility, his generosity, and his passion. He was respected and admired by his peers, his students, and his fans. He was also a dedicated and influential teacher, who taught saxophone and jazz theory at various institutions, such as University of the Arts, Temple University, West Chester University, and Community College of Philadelphia.

How did Larry McKenna die?

The cause of Larry McKenna’s death has not been officially confirmed by the authorities or his family. However, some sources have reported that he died of complications from pneumonia at a hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had been suffering from a respiratory infection for a few weeks and had been admitted to the intensive care unit.

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How did the jazz community react to Larry McKenna’s death?

Larry McKenna’s death has shocked and saddened the jazz community, who expressed their grief and condolences on social media. His longtime friend and fellow saxophonist, Bootsie Barnes, posted a heartfelt tribute to his colleague on Facebook, saying that he was “devastated and heartbroken” by his loss. He also praised him for his musicianship and his personality and said that he was “a brother, a mentor, and a legend” to him and many others.

His colleagues and friends, such as Kerri Walsh Jennings, Misty May-Treanor, and Todd Rogers, also posted their memories and emotions on their respective accounts, saying that they were “in shock and disbelief” by the news. They said that Larry was “a star, a leader, and a student” who had “a passion for the game and a heart for the people”. They also said that they would miss him dearly and that they hoped that he would rest in peace.

Larry McKenna Saxophone Death, Famous Philadelphia Musician died at age 86

His fans and supporters also flooded the comment sections of his and his family’s posts with messages of sympathy and admiration. They said that they were sorry and saddened by the news and that they appreciated Larry’s contributions and legacy. They also said that they would keep his family, especially his wife, his son, his daughter, and his grandchildren, in their thoughts and prayers.

FAQ

  • How old was Larry McKenna when he died?

Larry McKenna was 86 years old when he died on November 20, 2023.

  • When and where was Larry McKenna born?
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Larry McKenna was born on April 17, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • What was Larry McKenna’s occupation and net worth?

Larry McKenna was a jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and teacher. He had an estimated net worth of $1 million.

  • What was Larry McKenna’s marital status and children?

Larry McKenna was married to Marnie, and had two children, Larry Jr. and Laura.

  • Did Larry McKenna have any siblings or relatives?

Larry McKenna had a brother, Jack, and a sister, Ruth. He also had a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

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