Zoot Sims
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John Haley "Zoot" Sims (October 29, 1925 - March 23, 1985) was an American jazz saxophonist.
He was born in Inglewood, California. Sims' family was involved in vaudeville, and, for his part, John learned to play both drums and clarinet at an early age.
Sims developed into an innovative tenor saxophonist. Throughout his career, he played with renowned bands, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. Sims frequently led his own combos and frequently toured with friends Al Cohn and Gerry Mulligan. Late in his career, Sims picked up the soprano saxophone as well. Sims' nickname — Zoot — was later appropriated for the sax-playing Muppet of the same name.
Zoot Sims died in New York on March 23, 1985.Template:US-jazz-musician-stub Template:US-woodwind-musician-stub