Trivia

Father-in-law of Jack Black.

Father of Petra Haden, Tanya Haden and Rachel Haden. They are triplets.

Father of Josh Haden.

Jazz bassist.

He was a member of saxophonist Ornette Coleman's groundbreaking free jazz quartet in the late 1950s. He was a key member of another famous ensemble, pianist Keith Jarrett's group in the mid-1970s.

A bout with polio at 15 damaged his vocal cords and ended his singing career. He continued to play the bass. He got into jazz after hearing Charlie Parker on the radio.

He sang with his parents and older siblings in a country ensemble which was heard on national radio.

Contracted polio at the age of fifteen.

Performed from childhood, making daily radio broadcasts on local country music radio. After completing formal studies, moved to Los Angeles. Played bass with Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Red Norvo and Paul Bley. Regular bassist with Ornette Coleman in New York from 1959 to 1960. Out of circulation with drug problems in the early 60's. Set up the Liberation Music Orchestra with Carla Bley in 1969. Much of his music in the 70's and 80's was politically motivated "Song for Che", the Vietnam War, anti-fascism etc). Led the more mainstream, bop oriented Quartet West from 1987.