From Google News:

Big band legend Benny Carter dead at 95

Legendary alto saxophone player, jazz composer and big band leader Benny Carter has died, aged 95.

Carter, who was credited with breaking Hollywood's colour bar by composing and arranging music for films including such classics as Stormy Weather, died after a brief illness, according to a statement on his website.

"Although physically weak, he remained completely lucid and enjoyed speaking with many of his friends worldwide over the past few weeks," it said.

In a career that spanned seven decades, Carter played with such jazz luminaries as pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith, Fats Waller, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzie Gillespie.

He traded notes with amateur saxophonist and then US president Bill Clinton at the White House.

As an arranger, Carter's work was performed by jazz's most famous big bands, including those led by Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb and Glenn Miller.