Biography

Eric Dolphy was born on June 20, 1928 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was a composer and actor, known for Dynamite Chicken (1971), Suspension of Disbelief (2012) and A Matter of Degrees (1990). He died on June 29, 1964 in Berlin, Germany.

Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1984.

Played alto saxophone, bass clarinet and flute.

Established his credentials as a member of the Chico Hamilton Quintet and was featured playing flute with the group in the film Jazz on a Summer's Day (1959). During the 60's, he enjoyed successful collaborations with Charles Mingus and John Coltrane in addition to recording as leader of his own small groups for the Prestige and Blue Note labels.

Graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High School which is located within the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles.